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Droplet-on-a-wristband: chip-to-chip digital microfluidic interfaces between replaceable and flexible electrowetting
Shih-Kang Fan1, Hanping Yang, Wensyang Hsu
1Department of Material Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, 207, Engineering 1, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan. skfan@mail.nctu.edu.tw
Lab on a Chip
|October 20, 2010
Summary
This study introduces a novel droplet-on-a-wristband (DOW) system with modular microfluidic interfaces. This electrowetting-driven system enables efficient liquid handling and connections in curved, flexible devices.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Electrowetting-on-Dielectric (EWOD)
- Digital Microfluidics
Background:
- Traditional microfluidic systems often rely on rigid tubing and external pumps, limiting flexibility and integration.
- Existing chip-to-channel interfaces require complex fabrication and can be prone to leakage.
- Developing adaptable and robust microfluidic connections is crucial for advanced lab-on-a-chip applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and demonstrate a long, curved, and closed droplet pathway using modular interfaces for digital microfluidics.
- To investigate electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) principles for droplet manipulation in inclined and curved devices.
- To present a novel modular interface for easy attachment/detachment of microfluidic modules, enabling droplet-based connections.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of flexible PET substrates with a long (204 mm), curved (0.04 mm(-1)) droplet pathway using low-temperature processes.
- Development of digital microfluidic modular interfaces for electrical and fluidic connections based on EWOD.
- Actuation of droplets against gravity using sequential switching of 136 driving electrodes on four flexible modules.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a droplet-on-a-wristband (DOW) system with modular microfluidic connections, replacing traditional sealed pipes.
- Achieved droplet pumping of 2.5 μl at speeds exceeding 105 mm/s against gravity in the curved device.
- Successfully integrated droplet-based microfluidic connections between adjacent parallel-plate modules.
Conclusions:
- The developed modular interface offers a simple, reliable method for fluidic and electrical connections in digital microfluidics.
- The DOW system showcases the potential for flexible, wearable microfluidic devices capable of complex liquid handling.
- This chip-to-chip interface is a significant step towards continuous microfluidics and advanced integrated systems.
