A low-cost and portable centrifugal microfluidic platform for continuous processing of large sample volumes

Abstract

Centrifugal microfluidic platforms are becoming increasing popular in many research and diagnostic applications. A major challenge in centrifugal microfluidics is continuous handling of large sample volumes. Keeping the flow rate constant during sample inflow is difficult without a pump. We report an affordable (<USD 40) and portable platform that can handle sample volumes of up to 50 ml without a pump. We use a Mariotte bottle for sample inflow into the disk at a constant flow rate and with a throughput of 1 ml/s. Our pumping mechanism allows basic operations, such as volume metering, flow switching, and mixing. Our platform fulfills the need for portable and affordable instrumentation in developing countries.