Microfluidics Transport and Path Control via Programmable Electrowetting on Dielectric (EWOD) Card

The development of microfluidics devices for use in micro-fabricated chemical sensors would improve the capability for detecting weapons of mass destruction.  Although a myriad of microfluidics transport devices have been demonstrated, full commercialization has not yet been realized due to an absence of design standards that would enable variable interconnects and flow paths.  In addition, these devices often require high voltages or power, high external pressure for pumping, an intricate network of channels and valves, and large fluid dead space between the source and destination to achieve pumping.  This project will develop electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) technology to enable the programmable transport of picoliter sized droplets on an array of Teflon micro-pads.  This technology will allow surface tension effects to be controlled to draw hydrophobic-hydrophilic boundaries.    The discrete transport of precise drops will be inherently stable even with power off, a feature that will enable precision drug delivery.  In Phase I, a large (1”x 0.5”) EWOD card will be developed.  The card will be programmed with algorithms developed to control its functions.  Flow path control and reconfiguration will be demonstrated using video recording devices.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  Programmable electrowetting on a diaelectric card should enable the mass production of hand-held biosensing and medical diagnostic devices.  These devices could be used for remote weapons inspections, and environmental and medical monitoring.  Wireless technology would enable their applications even in remote, poor regions of the world.

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