A microfluidic thermal bend actuated surface tension valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, a movable member for contacting the liquid, and, an actuator for displacing the movable member from a quiescent position to an actuated position where the meniscus is extended into contact with a surface downstream of the meniscus anchor such that the flow towards the outlet resumes.