Presentation Type
Poster
Continuous Electrowetting via Electrochemical Diodes
Abstract
Precisely moving small amounts of fluid is vital to the function of many new technologies, including Lab-on-a-chip devices, new display technology, microlenses, and more. In particular, Lab-on-a-chip devices have the potential
to transform clinical analysis by offering a compact, inexpensive, and disposable method for carrying out many laboratory functions at the point of care. While current methods exist to transport droplets, they can be complex,
both in terms of their manufacture and operation. We present a novel method for micro- scale fluid transport which takes advantage of the current-rectifying properties of valve metals in combination with electrowetting on dielectric
(EWOD) effects. In addition, our device is simple to operate and requires only a single photolithographic step to manufacture. By asymmetrically reducing the contact angle of a droplet, using electrochemical diodes, we are able to
induce continuous linear motion in a 40 μl droplet across at 28 mm silicon electrode at velocities up to 32mm/s. In this poster we examine a device based on this method and in particular evaluate the effects that differing valve metals and electrolytic fluids have on performance.
Categories
Engineering/Physical Science
Research Type
Research Assistant
Mentor Information
Dr. Nathan Crane
Continuous Electrowetting via Electrochemical Diodes
Precisely moving small amounts of fluid is vital to the function of many new technologies, including Lab-on-a-chip devices, new display technology, microlenses, and more. In particular, Lab-on-a-chip devices have the potential
to transform clinical analysis by offering a compact, inexpensive, and disposable method for carrying out many laboratory functions at the point of care. While current methods exist to transport droplets, they can be complex,
both in terms of their manufacture and operation. We present a novel method for micro- scale fluid transport which takes advantage of the current-rectifying properties of valve metals in combination with electrowetting on dielectric
(EWOD) effects. In addition, our device is simple to operate and requires only a single photolithographic step to manufacture. By asymmetrically reducing the contact angle of a droplet, using electrochemical diodes, we are able to
induce continuous linear motion in a 40 μl droplet across at 28 mm silicon electrode at velocities up to 32mm/s. In this poster we examine a device based on this method and in particular evaluate the effects that differing valve metals and electrolytic fluids have on performance.
