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Droplet microfluidics for chip-based diagnostics
Karan V I S Kaler1, Ravi Prakash2
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB-T2N 1N4, Canada. kaler@ucalgary.ca.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 10, 2014
Summary
Electro-actuation droplet microfluidics (DMF) precisely manipulates tiny fluid volumes on-chip. This review covers electro-actuation DMF devices for lab and clinical diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Droplet microfluidics (DMF) offers precise control over micro- to picoliter volumes.
- Various droplet actuation methods exist, using external stimuli for manipulation.
- Electro-actuation DMF utilizes patterned substrates and electric fields for sample handling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the operation and utility of electro-actuation-based DMF devices.
- To discuss the theory, fabrication, and detector integration in DMF.
- To illustrate applications in laboratory and clinical diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Focus on electro-actuation methods within droplet microfluidics.
- Review of device fabrication and integration of optical/opto-electronic detectors.
- Discussion of underlying theory for electric field-based droplet manipulation.
Main Results:
- Electro-actuation DMF enables precise handling of chemical and biological samples.
- Micro-/nano-patterned substrates are key for electric field-based control.
- Integration of detectors enhances DMF capabilities for assays.
Conclusions:
- Electro-actuation DMF is a versatile technology for miniaturized assays.
- The review highlights the utility of DMF in chip-based diagnostics.
- Further applications in laboratory and clinical settings are demonstrated.
