A Study of Availability of Paraffin Wax for Valve in Microfluidic Channel

Abstract

Availability of a novel micro-valve made of paraffin wax which is used in a “swallowable biosensor” is studied. The valve was composed of a plug made of paraffin wax which sealed a micro fluid channel and micro heater to melt the paraffin plug. Additionally, a collecting area of paraffin after melting was formed downstream of the paraffin valve to prevents the melted paraffin from influencing on another devices in the swallowable biosensor. Shape of the collecting area for the melted paraffin was optimized by simulation using finite element method (FEM). As the result of simulation, it is found that two sloped weir, which is staggered each other, collected the most melted paraffin. Fabrication of the paraffin valve and the weirs collecting for the melted was also carried out. As a result of collecting test of melted paraffin, it was observed that two sloped weir collected most melted paraffin, which is the same result as the simulation.