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A Microfluidic Chip for the Versatile Chemical Analysis of Single Cells
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A hybrid microfluidic chip with electrowetting functionality using ultraviolet (UV)-curable polymer.

Hao Gu1, Michel H G Duits, Frieder Mugele

  • 1Physics of Complex Fluids, Department of Science & Technology, IMPACT and MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, P. O. Box 217, 7500AE, Enschede, The Netherlands. h.gu@tnw.utwente.nl

Lab on a Chip
|June 3, 2010
PubMed
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We developed a new, low-cost method for creating electrowetting (EW)-enhanced closed microfluidic channels. This technique enables precise control over microfluidic drop generation and fluid displacement, advancing digital microfluidics applications.

Area of Science:

  • Microfluidics
  • Surface Science
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Electrowetting (EW) is established for open-droplet manipulation in digital microfluidics.
  • Closed microfluidic channels with EW functionality are not widely demonstrated.
  • Existing methods often use polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and have limitations in channel dimensions and electrode symmetry.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a novel, cost-effective fabrication method for EW-enhanced closed microfluidic channels.
  • To enable precise control over microfluidic phenomena using EW.
  • To overcome limitations of previous PDMS-based EW microfluidic devices.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of closed microfluidic channels between glass plates using soft imprint lithography with thiolene precursors.

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  • UV-initiated permanent sealing of the microfluidic chips.
  • Silanization treatment to render all internal channel surfaces hydrophobic.
  • Integration of electrodes and insulating layers on both glass plates for EW control.

    • Main Results:

    • Achieved microchannels with smaller dimensions (down to 10 microns) and lower aspect ratios (down to 1/10).
    • Enabled symmetric electrode configurations on both top and bottom plates.
    • Demonstrated EW-enhanced, monodisperse drop generation (1-15 microns) in flow focusing.
    • Showcased EW-tunable excess water pressure for oil displacement, achieving spontaneous imbibition at EW number eta > 0.89.

    Conclusions:

    • The developed method offers a simple, low-cost approach for fabricating advanced EW-enhanced closed microfluidic devices.
    • The new design allows for superior control over microfluidic operations, including drop generation and fluid displacement.
    • This work expands the capabilities of EW in closed microfluidic systems for diverse applications.