On-chip organic synthesis enabled using an engine-and-cargo system in an electrowetting-on-dielectric digital...

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• Organic Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) digital microfluidic devices have numerous chemical and biological applications.
• However, their use in organic reactions is limited due to solvent incompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel technique enabling the use of non-movable fluids, such as organic solvents, on EWOD devices.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of on-chip organic reactions using this new system.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of an "engine-and-cargo" system for fluid manipulation on EWOD devices.
• Demonstration of esterification as a model organic reaction.
• Characterization and optimization of reaction kinetics, solvent screening, and catalyst loading.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of on-chip esterification reactions.
• Characterization of reaction parameters including kinetics, solvent effects, and catalyst efficiency.
• Parallel esterification of three different alcohols was achieved, showcasing potential for combinatorial synthesis.

Conclusions:

• The developed "engine-and-cargo" system overcomes solvent incompatibility issues in EWOD devices.
• EWOD digital microfluidic platforms show significant promise for microscale organic reactions and combinatorial synthesis.