All-terrain droplet actuation

Lab Chip. 2008 May;8(5):672-7. doi: 10.1039/b801516c. Epub 2008 Apr 2.

Abstract

Digital microfluidics has become a popular tool for biochemical and biomedical applications. However, its current format is restricted to actuation of droplets on a single plane. Here, we introduce a new method for fluid handling on flexible devices, which we have termed all-terrain droplet actuation (ATDA). We show that ATDA can be used to manipulate droplets across a wide range of geometries, including inclined, declined, vertical, twisted, and upside-down architectures. These new geometries enable flexible, straightforward integration of distinct physicochemical environments on monolithic devices. To illustrate this capacity, we developed temperature- and oxygen-sensitive colorimetric sensors, as well as an automated method for selective enrichment of DNA from a heterogeneous mixture. We anticipate that ATDA will be a useful new tool in the growing trend toward laboratory miniaturization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Colorimetry / instrumentation
  • Colorimetry / methods
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Electrodes
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Microfluidics / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidics / methods*
  • Oxygen / chemistry
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature

Substances

  • DNA
  • Oxygen