Temperature-driven self-actuated microvalve for PCR

We report here a novel chamber-sealing valve that is self-actuated by pressure change during the cyclic temperature changes in PCR processes. Actuation of our valve requirs only a heating device employed for PCR. An UV-curable polymer is used as a device material and it allowed us to realize temperature-driven valve actuation as well as to fabricate a 3D device. The self-actuated microvalve achieves the effective sealing of microchamber for PCR even at 90ºC, which is essential to develop highly parallel PCR array device without any complicated actuator circuits