Micro check valves having a free-floating member for controlling flow of
fluid in microfluidic and biomedical applications and methods of
fabrication. A micro check valve includes a valve seat, a valve cap that
contacts the valve seat and an untethered floating member that can move
between the valve seat and the valve cap. Certain micro check valves have
zero cracking pressure and no reverse leakage. Certain other valves may
be configured to permit flow of fluid within a pressure range. The
floating member can be solid or define an orifice, and the valve seat can
have one or two levels. Valves can be configured to allow fluid to flow
when the floating member is pushed by fluid against the valve cap or
against the valve seat. The valve seat may be silicon or another material
that is compatible with micromachining processes, and the valve cap and
the floating member may be a polymer such as Parylene.