A modular electronic platform for the sequential actuation of electrodes in electrohydrodynamic microdevices.

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• Electrokinetics
• Surface Science

Background:

• Electrohydrodynamic wetting manipulation is crucial for microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip devices.
• Existing electronic systems are often application-specific, limiting flexibility in actuation signals and channels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a universal, computer-controlled actuation platform for electrohydrodynamic wetting manipulation.
• To overcome the limitations of application-specific electronic systems in microfluidic applications.

Main Methods:

• Integrated a microcontroller, adjustable high-voltage power supply, waveform generator, amplifiers, and solid-state switching system.
• Designed a non-hard-wired chip-contacting mechanism for rapid chip switching.
• Utilized sine, triangular, or square wave signals for electrode control.

Main Results:

• The platform can individually control up to 26 electrodes.
• Operates with voltages from -30 to +100 V and frequencies up to 80 kHz.
• Successfully manipulated ethylene glycol droplets on Teflon™-coated substrates via dielectrowetting.

Conclusions:

• The developed platform offers a flexible and adaptable solution for electrohydrodynamic wetting manipulation.
• This system enhances the versatility of microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip applications by enabling diverse actuation signals and rapid chip interchangeability.