Pneumatic micro dispenser chip for portable micro analysis devices (1st report, verification of dispensing principle using air pressure drive)

The prototype of the pneumatic micro dispenser chip for portable micro analysis devices was developed successfully. This micro dispenser succeeded to divide liquid into 1μL without any dead volume by decompressing and the compressing air in only one micro pump. The dispensing operation is achieved by the original micro liquid detecting method and four hat-shaped check valves. The detecting method utilized the refraction of the infrared rays LED. Not only passage of the fluid into the channel but also its existence can be detected as TTL level signal. The hat-shaped silicone rubber valve which functions itself as a unidirectional passive valve was proposed. The check valve with low opening pressure (3kPa) and high inverse pressure (over 300kPa) was developed successfully. This micro dispenser chip is useful for portable micro analysis devices.