Microfluidic networks consisting of more than one channel must often be controlled by valves. External valves are sturdy, but low dead volumes require internal valves. Many present-day valves contain membranes (that are, eg, driven by air pressure) that become leaky by overpressure or particles, and simple microfluidic valves control only a single channel at a time. We describe here two different new approaches: a hydrogel valve, which is robust, and a rotary valve, which is versatile. Both valves are pressure-stable. The hydrogel valve contains a microfluidic chamber filled with hydrogel particles that are swollen and thus close the valve at room temperature (ie normally closed 2/2-way