title: Magnetic connectors for microfluidic applications.
abstract: We present a new type of microfluidic connector that employs a ring magnet on one side of the microfluidic chip and a disc magnet on the other side to produce a sealed connection between external tubing and inlets or outlets of microfluidic devices. The connectors are low-cost, simple to use and assemble, and reusable. We used numerical (finite element) simulations in order to optimize their geometry. Configurations that achieve interfacial forces in the range of 2 N to 15 N are discussed. Several types of gasket materials were explored. Finally, we demonstrate an application of these connectors in a microfluidic device used to generate liposomes.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Biochemical Science Division, Gaithersburg, MD 20817-8313, USA. javier.atencia@nist.gov
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Atencia
authors.forename: Gregory A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Cooksey
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jahn
authors.forename: Justin M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Zook
authors.forename: Wyatt N
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Vreeland
authors.forename: Laurie E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Locascio