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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Microfluidic Platform with Multiplexed Electronic Detection for Spatial Tracking of Particles
11:54

Microfluidic Platform with Multiplexed Electronic Detection for Spatial Tracking of Particles

Published on: March 13, 2017

Direct-referencing Two-dimensional-array Digital Microfluidics Using Multi-layer Printed Circuit Board.

Jian Gong1, Chang-Jin Cj Kim

  • 1J. Gong was with the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA. He is now with the EHD technology group, Duarte CA, 91010 USA (phone: 626-357-7350; fax: 626-357-2692; e-mail: jgong@ehdtg.com ).

Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems : a Joint IEEE and ASME Publication on Microstructures, Microactuators, Microsensors, and Microsystems
|February 24, 2009
PubMed
Summary

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This study presents low-cost, reconfigurable digital microfluidic chips using printed-circuit-board technology. These chips enable electrowetting-on-dielectric operations for aqueous droplets on dry surfaces, advancing lab-on-a-chip applications.

Area of Science:

  • Microfluidics
  • Electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) technology
  • Lab-on-a-chip systems

Background:

  • Traditional EWOD chips use 1D electrode patterns for specific tasks.
  • Universal chips require 2D electrode patterns, increasing fabrication complexity and cost.
  • Multilayer conductive lines are needed for independent electrode access, posing a challenge for disposable applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop cost-effective, reconfigurable digital microfluidic plates using printed-circuit-board (PCB) technology.
  • To enable electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) operations of aqueous droplets on both oil-covered and dry surfaces.
  • To create a scalable digital microfluidics system with reconfigurable and low-cost chips.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of digital microfluidic plates utilizing mature PCB technology for inexpensive multilayer electrical access lines.

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  • Development and evaluation of three post-PCB microfabrication processes to improve surface properties for EWOD.
  • Integration of land-grid-array (LGA) sockets for a scalable and reconfigurable system.

    • Main Results:

    • Demonstrated the feasibility of using PCB technology for creating multilayered electrodes for digital microfluidics.
    • Identified that as-fabricated PCB surfaces require high voltages (~500 V) for EWOD due to surface roughness.
    • Successfully developed post-processing techniques to enable EWOD operations on dry surfaces, reducing voltage requirements.
    • Showcased a scalable system with reconfigurable and low-cost chips using LGA sockets.

    Conclusions:

    • Printed-circuit-board technology offers a viable and cost-effective solution for fabricating digital microfluidic plates with multilayer electrode access.
    • Post-fabrication surface modifications are crucial for achieving efficient EWOD of aqueous droplets on dry PCB surfaces.
    • The developed system provides a scalable, reconfigurable, and low-cost platform for diverse lab-on-a-chip applications.