Computer-Aided Design of Valves-Integrated Microfluidic Layouts Using Parameter-Guided Electrical Models

Integrated microfluidic networks are being rapidly deployed in academia and industry for a vast spectrum of applications, ranging from molecular biology to quantum physics. Current design paradigm for microfluidic layouts is typically based on numerical modeling, which is not suitable for rapid prototyping nor parameter driven design. Here, we utilize the hydraulic-electric circuit analogy to propose a circuit analysis methodology and an open-source framework for a parameter-guided design of integrated microfluidic layouts. We provide a method with which a user can intuitively define the circuit’s constraints and an algorithm which optimizes the hydraulic layout according to physical constraints. Our algorithm supports valves-integrated design and provides a simulation framework that describes fluid flow with different valves configuration.