Abstract

Microfluidic devices with integrated valves provide precise, programmable fluid handling platforms for high-throughput biological or chemical assays. However, setting up the infrastructure to control such platforms often requires specific engineering expertise or expensive commercial solutions. To address these obstacles, we present a Kit for Arduino-based Transistor Array Actuation (KATARA), an open-source and low-cost Arduino-based controller that can drive 70 solenoid valves to pneumatically actuate integrated microfluidic valves. We include a python package with a GUI to control the KATARA from a personal computer. No programming experience is required.

Highlights

  • Microfluidic devices with integrated valves provide precise, programmable fluid handling platforms for high-throughput biological or chemical assays

  • The Kit for Arduino-based Transistor Array Actuation (KATARA) microfluidics control system includes a shield for the Arduino Mega microcontroller that drives up to 70 solenoid valves (Fig. 2), Arduino firmware, and a python package with a graphical user interface (GUI) (Fig. 3)

  • The KATARA may be used as an alternate control module in this platform, as it serves as a low-cost alternative to the Wago controller

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Summary

Introduction

Microfluidic devices with integrated valves provide precise, programmable fluid handling platforms for high-throughput biological or chemical assays. Setting up the infrastructure to control such platforms often requires specific engineering expertise or expensive commercial solutions To address these obstacles, we present a Kit for Arduino-based Transistor Array Actuation (KATARA), an open-source and low-cost Arduino-based controller that can drive 70 solenoid valves to pneumatically actuate integrated microfluidic valves. By choosing surface-mount components, replacing the IO card with an Arduino, and streamlining valve connections, the KATARA shield can control nearly three times as many valves at a lower cost In this issue, Brower et al describe an alternative approach to control up to 48 valves and 18 sample inputs using a commercial Wago controller [16]. The KATARA software can be extended to interface with these and other microfluidics controllers (see Supplementary Information)

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