Microdroplet manipulation device
Inventors
Isaac, Thomas Henry • Cunha, Pedro • SHERIDAN, Eoin • Love, David • Palmer, Rebecca • Kelly, Douglas J. • PODD, Gareth
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11904319-B2
Publication Date
2024-02-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device for manipulating microdroplets using optically-mediated electrowetting comprising: a first composite wall comprising: a first transparent substrate; a first transparent conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; a photoactive layer activated by electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 400-1000 nm on the conductor layer having a thickness of 300-1000 nm; and a first dielectric layer on the conductor layer having a thickness of 120-160 nm; a second composite wall comprised of: a second substrate; a second conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; and an A/C source to provide a voltage across the first and second composite walls connecting the first and second conductor layers; at least one source of electromagnetic radiation having an energy higher than the bandgap of the photoexcitable layer; and means for manipulating the points of impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the photoactive layer.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an optically-mediated electrowetting microfluidic device for fast manipulation of many thousands of microdroplets simultaneously. It uses composite first and second walls, each including a transparent conductor layer and a photoactive layer activated by electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 400–1000 nm. The photoactive layer induces corresponding ephemeral electrowetting locations on the surface of a dielectric layer.
Ephemeral electrowetting locations are created by impinging at least one source of electromagnetic radiation having energy higher than the bandgap of a photoexcitable layer on the photoactive layer. A microprocessor manipulates points of impingement so as to vary the disposition of the ephemeral electrowetting locations, thereby creating at least one electrowetting pathway along which microdroplets may be caused to move. The electrowetting pathway is formed without permanent electrode arrays by using the programmable radiation impingement pattern.
The device includes one or more spacers that hold the first and second walls apart to define a microfluidic space adapted to contain microdroplets, with an A/C source providing a voltage between 10 V and 50 V across the first and second composite walls. The device is configured to perform chemical analyses carried out on multiple analytes simultaneously, and the optically induced electrowetting pathways enable droplet coalescence pathways and multi-pathway steering as described in the document’s examples.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies one independent claim covering an optically-mediated electrowetting device for simultaneously manipulating many thousands of microdroplets and configured for chemical analyses on multiple analytes. The independent claim contains multiple inventive feature elements related to composite walls, optically induced ephemeral electrowetting locations, spacer-defined microfluidic space, A/C actuation, and microprocessor-controlled radiation impingement to form electrowetting pathways.
Optically-mediated electrowetting device for fast multi-droplet manipulation
A device for fast manipulation of many thousands of microdroplets simultaneously using optically-mediated electrowetting.
Composite walls with transparent conductor, photoactive layer, dielectric, and anti-fouling
A first composite wall with a first substrate; a first transparent conductor layer; a photoactive layer activated by electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 400–1000 nm; a first dielectric layer; and a first anti-fouling layer; and a second composite wall with a second substrate; a second conductor layer; a second dielectric layer; and a second anti-fouling layer.
Microfluidic space defined by spacers
One or more spacers for holding the first and second walls apart by a pre-determined amount to define a microfluidic space adapted to contain microdroplets, wherein the spacer comprises a bead, a pillar or a ridge.
A/C voltage across composite walls below dielectric breakdown
An A/C source to provide a voltage of between 10 V and 50 V across the first and second composite walls so as to be below the dielectric breakdown voltage of the first and second dielectric layers.
Radiation-induced ephemeral electrowetting locations
At least one source of electromagnetic radiation having an energy higher than the bandgap of a photoexcitable layer adapted to impinge on the photoactive layer to induce corresponding ephemeral electrowetting locations on the surface of the first dielectric layer.
Microprocessor-controlled radiation impingement to form electrowetting pathways
A microprocessor for manipulating points of impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the photoactive layer so as to vary the disposition of the ephemeral electrowetting locations thereby creating at least one electrowetting pathway along which microdroplets may be caused to move.
Chemical analysis on multiple analytes
The device is configured for performing chemical analyses carried out on multiple analytes simultaneously.
The identified independent claim combines optically-mediated electrowetting, composite walls with photoactive and dielectric layers, spacer-defined microfluidic space, A/C actuation below dielectric breakdown, and microprocessor-controlled electromagnetic radiation to induce ephemeral electrowetting locations and create electrowetting pathways for moving microdroplets, with configuration for chemical analyses on multiple analytes simultaneously.
Stated Advantages
Fast manipulation of many thousands of microdroplets simultaneously.
Chemical analyses carried out on multiple analytes simultaneously.
Documented Applications
Performing chemical analyses carried out on multiple analytes simultaneously.
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