Patent ID: 8388908

Claim:
A microfluidic device comprising a fluidics layer, an actuation layer and an elastic layer sandwiched between the fluidics layer and the actuation layer, wherein: (a) the fluidics layer and the actuation layer comprise sealing surfaces that contact the elastic layer; and (b) the fluidics layer comprises a plurality of fluid conduits comprising surfaces, and the actuation layer comprises a plurality of actuation conduits comprising surfaces, wherein at least a portion of the surfaces of the fluid conduits and actuation conduits are exposed to the elastic layer and further comprising a plurality of diaphragm valves that each regulate fluid flow in a fluid conduit, wherein each diaphragm valve comprises: (i) a valve body comprising a surface of the actuation layer exposed to the elastic layer, (ii) a valve seat comprising a surface of the fluidic layer exposed to the elastic layer, (iii) a diaphragm comprised in the elastic layer and configured to sit on or off a surface of the valve seat, and (iv) valve ports configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the valve, wherein at least a portion of the valve seat surface is coated with a low surface energy material having a water contact angle of at least 100° and the elastic layer is not bonded to the valve seat.