What is the MUX Recirculation 6/2 Valve?

The MUX Recirculation 6/2 is a microfluidic 6-port / 2-position valve from Elveflow. Combined with an OB1 pressure-driven flow controller, it enables three core operations: recirculating a fluid in a closed loop, injecting small-volume samples into a liquid stream, and automating long-term experiments through ESI software sequences.

The valve switches between two flow configurations in less than 180 ms with no overpressure, no dead volume, and only 0.5 µL of carryover. Wetted parts in PCTFE and PTFE give it broad chemical compatibility, including organic solvents — making it ideal for both biological perfusion and chemistry workflows.

Key Features

• Fast bidirectional switching: Under 180 ms port-to-port switching with no overpressure transients.
• Zero dead volume: Low 0.5 µL carryover for efficient solution usage.
• Biocompatible & chemically robust: PCTFE and PTFE wetted parts compatible with organic solvents.
• Standard ¼-28 connections: Leak-free, quick connection with standard microfluidic fittings.
• Reproducible injections: Identical sample injections every cycle, fully automated.

Applications

The MUX Recirculation 6/2 is a key building block in any closed-loop microfluidic workflow. Common applications include:

• Dynamic cell culture on chip — long-term unidirectional medium recirculation.
• Cell response to medium change — automated medium swaps in perfusion experiments.
• Drug screening and toxicity tests — repeatable, programmable sample injections.
• Organ-on-chip perfusion — sustained, sterile recirculation loops.
• SPR or TIR imaging coupled with microfluidic injection.
• Stem cell assays — repeatable injection of growth factors or differentiation cues.