David Beebe's group has done a lot of work on micromachined hydrogel
valves.  I suggest reading up on their work.
Good luck,

Chris Folk

Sr. MEMS Design And Applications Engineer
Microfabrica Inc.
7911 Haskell Avenue, Van Nuys, CA  91406

Phone: (818) 786-3322 (818-RUN-EFAB)  Extension: 325
Fax:  (818) 997-3322 (818-997-EFAB)
[email protected]
www.Microfabrica.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Jalil Ahmad [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, August 04, 2006 1:01 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [mems-talk] Hydrogel in microvalve application

Hi,

  I am currently working on microvalve design for drug delivery
application specifically in detecting glucose concentration. I read
about the use of hydrogel that can swells and shrinks in response to the
changes in the glucose concentration. I don't really have much knowledge
in the Chemistry area. My question is the hydrogel relatively easy to
synthesize in the lab? Can the hydrogel be purchased from a supplier?
Anybody out there that are currently working on the hydrogel?

  I would appreciate any input.

  Thank you.

  Jalil Scott