Development and multiplexed control of latching pneumatic valves using microfluidic logical structures.

Novel latching microfluidic valve structures are developed, characterized, and controlled independently using an on-chip pneumatic demultiplexer. These structures are based on pneumatic monolithic membrane valves and depend upon their normally-closed nature. Latching valves consisting of both three- and four-valve circuits are demonstrated.

Development and evaluation of a microdevice for amino acid biomarker detection and analysis on Mars.

The Mars Organic Analyzer (MOA), a microfabricated capillary electrophoresis (CE) instrument for sensitive amino acid biomarker analysis, has been developed and evaluated. The microdevice consists of a four-wafer sandwich combining glass CE separation channels, microfabricated pneumatic membrane valves and pumps, and a nanoliter fluidic network. The portable MOA instrument integrates high voltage CE power supplies, pneumatic controls, and fluorescence detection optics necessary for field operation.