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EWOD (electrowetting on dielectric) digital microfluidics powered by finger actuation
Cheng Peng1, Zhongning Zhang, Chang-Jin C J Kim
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. just@seas.ucla.edu.
Lab on a Chip
|January 24, 2014
Summary
This study introduces finger-actuated digital microfluidics (F-DMF) that uses finger-generated power for droplet manipulation. This novel approach eliminates the need for external power supplies in microfluidic devices.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Digital microfluidics (DMF) typically relies on external power sources for droplet manipulation.
- Electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) is a key phenomenon for controlling liquid droplets.
- Existing EWOD devices often require specific conditions, such as oil-free environments and thin dielectric layers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a self-powered digital microfluidic system.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of using human finger actuation for microfluidic droplet control.
- To explore applications of this novel technology in diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Finger-actuated digital microfluidics (F-DMF) system developed.
- Piezoelectric elements used to convert mechanical finger energy into electrical voltage pulses.
- Electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) phenomenon utilized for droplet actuation (transport, splitting, merging).
Main Results:
- Piezoelectric elements generated over 40 V, suitable for oil-free EWOD with thin dielectric layers.
- Successful demonstration of basic EWOD droplet operations: transport, splitting, and merging.
- F-DMF system applied successfully to glucose detection and immunoassay using two series-connected piezoelectric elements.
Conclusions:
- F-DMF offers a power-independent solution for microfluidic applications.
- The technology enables portable and versatile microfluidic systems.
- Potential for widespread use in point-of-care diagnostics and other fields.
