Sequential flow control by liquid decanting on a centrifugal platform

In this paper, a sequential liquid release approach through decanting is reported. By coordinating the Euler and centrifugal forces under a rapid deceleration, liquid can be effectively decanted from a reservoir into a reaction chamber on a centrifugal platform. In addition, no valve is used in this sequential liquid release approach. The decanting mechanism was analyzed and the parameters which govern the decanted liquid volume were investigated. It is found that the onset of the liquid decanting phenomenon is governed by the Bond number. An eight-step sequential flow control design that can robustly deliver the reagents into the reaction chamber to facilitate a multistep process is proposed. [Display omitted] •A sequential liquid release approach through decanting is reported.•Euler force is used as the driving force for liquid pumping.•The Bond number is used as the design principle for the sequential decanting process.•An eight-step sequential flow control by decanting is presented.