Open-source lab hardware: A versatile microfluidic control and sensor platform

• Main Authors: Florian Kehl, Vlad F. Cretu, Peter A. Willis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-10-01
• Series: HardwareX
• Subjects: Microfluidic sample handling; Fluidic sensing; Chemical analysis; Lab automation; Valve controller; Capillary electrophoresis
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468067221000584

Here we describe a completely integrated and customizable microfluidic control and sensing architecture that can be readily implemented for laboratory or portable chemical or biological control and sensing applications. The compact platform enables control of 32 solenoid valves, a multitude of pumps and motors, a thermo-electric controller, a pressure controller, and a high voltage power supply. It also features two temperature probe interfaces, one relative humidity and ambient temperature sensor, two pressure sensors, and interfaces to an electrical conductivity sensor, flow sensor, and a bubble detector. The platform can be controlled via an onboard microcontroller and requires no proprietary software.