Microfluidics has transformed biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics research by enabling precise control over small fluid volumes. However, accurate volume measurement remains a critical challenge in these experiments. Even minor variations in liquid handling can affect reaction efficiency, reproducibility, and overall data integrity.
With ultra-precise volume sensing, researchers can ensure that each experiment is performed under identical conditions, eliminating variability in liquid handling. This is especially beneficial for:
Continuous real-time monitoring enables scientists to adjust experimental conditions dynamically. This is crucial for:
Many microfluidic applications involve costly reagents and limited biological samples. By incorporating volume sensors, researchers can:
At Elveflow, we’re introducing a new high-precision volume sensor. As a leader in microfluidic flow control, we’ve developed a non-contact volume sensor that provides real-time, direct measurement of the liquid volume that went through your microfluidic setup. To demonstrate its feasibility and performance, we conducted a dedicated experiment to check its accuracy and reliability in real microfluidic conditions.
To demonstrate the utility of our volume sensor, we conducted an in-house experiment using our OB1 MK4 pressure controller, with the MFS flow sensor and Elveflow Software Interface (ESI). The setup mimics a classic flow controller + flow sensor configuration.
We aimed to inject 500 μL of distilled water using the OB1’s volume injection module and compare this intended value with what was measured by our new volume sensor.
The experiment was conducted using the following setup:
Fig 1. Real-time tracking of the volume injected in the setup through Elveflow Software
With the help of the Volume injection module (a feature available in the Elveflow software, which precisely injects a specific amount of liquid in the microfluidic setup), the fluid was smoothly and continuously delivered through the microfluidic system, as shown in Fig. 1.
We used the OB1 flow controller to inject a target volume of 0.5 mL (500 μL). However, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the volume sensor measured an actual delivered volume of 512 μL—12 μL more than intended.
This small but noticeable difference is due to the way the ESI volume injection module operates, which can be affected if the flow sensor in the setup is not properly cleaned. In short, even with high-precision flow control and sensors, exact volume delivery remains a challenge; hence, the volume sensor can be a great help for real-time monitoring of the actual dispensed volume.
Fig 2. Elveflow Software displaying the volume which is injected in the microfluidic setup
The volume sensor offers greater accuracy because it calculates the delivered volume based on the fluid’s actual mass, independent of pressure fluctuations or system dynamics. This makes it a more reliable solution in scenarios where even minimal deviations can affect experimental results. Such sensors are particularly useful in experiments where precise liquid volume is critical to the outcome.
Fig 3. Volume Injection module displaying the injected volume at the end of the experiment.
When working with microfluidics, precise flow control is everything. Elveflow’s OB1 MK4 pressure controller can regulate flow rates when paired with a flow sensor for real-time monitoring. But what about applications that require accurate volume measurement? Each method has its strengths:
* density of the liquid must be indicated on the volume sensor.
The OB1 MK4 paired with a flow sensor remains a powerful tool for real-time flow control and automation. However, only a volume sensor provides that certainty when it comes to knowing the actual amount of liquid delivered.As demonstrated in our experiment, even high-end setups can deliver slightly more or less than expected. The Elveflow volume sensor offers a simple, accurate way to monitor volume in real time, especially in configurations where a flow sensor is not an option.
Our high-precision volume sensor is now available for beta testing. This sensor enables volume monitoring over a broad range, up to 250 mL with aqueous solutions, thanks to its high-precision weighing. If you’re working on experiments where exact volume tracking matters—or where traditional sensors fall short—this is your chance to test this technology.
📩 Email us at contact@elveflow.com to join the beta program and take your microfluidic monitoring to the next level.
– Blog written by Zeeshan Abbas, Experiment performed by Amina Hamidou, PhD
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