Issue 2, 2019

Mechanical-activated digital microfluidics with gradient surface wettability

Abstract

This paper reports a simple yet effective droplet manipulation approach that can displace aqueous droplets over a long distance within the working plane. Repeated patterns with surface gradient wettability were created on a super-hydrophobic surface by laser irradiation. Aqueous droplets as small as 2 μL are moved on the patterns over a long distance under in-plane symmetric cyclic vibration. Typical droplet manipulation actions including droplet movement along a pre-determined trajectory, droplet mixing, and selective movement of multiple droplets were successfully demonstrated. Biochemical detection using this approach was demonstrated via a bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay. This approach allows for long-distance droplet movement and simultaneous manipulation of multiple droplets without sacrificing the manipulation efficiency or increasing the cross-contamination risk. The device can be fabricated outside cleanrooms and operated without special equipment. It provides a solid technical basis for developing the next generation of affordable open channel microfluidic devices for various applications.

Graphical abstract: Mechanical-activated digital microfluidics with gradient surface wettability

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
14 Sep 2018
Accepted
30 Nov 2018
First published
04 Dec 2018

Lab Chip, 2019,19, 223-232

Author version available

Mechanical-activated digital microfluidics with gradient surface wettability

L. Qi, Y. Niu, C. Ruck and Y. Zhao, Lab Chip, 2019, 19, 223 DOI: 10.1039/C8LC00976G

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