| abstract |
Microfluidic devices are provided where barriers are introduced between different compartments of the device to prevent fluid flow between the two compartments. Different materials and methods are employed for the introduction and removal of the barriers, including reversible gel particle expansion, reversible gellation, in situ polymerization, magnetic beads, and the like. In this way mixing of agents may be temporally controlled during the operation of the device, where the barriers may be used in a passive manner or as an active agent involved in the operation being performed in the device. |