EWOD Aqueous Barrier for Multiple Filler Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EWOD devices face challenges in accommodating multiple filler fluids with different characteristics within a single device, as they require varying properties for specific applications or stages of a reaction protocol, and current methods often necessitate structural barriers that limit spatial flexibility and lead to intermixing of fluids.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrowetting forces to create an aqueous barrier within the EWOD device, separating it into regions and allowing for the sequential or simultaneous use of multiple non-polar filler fluids, while minimizing intermixing through reconfiguration and reconstitution of the barrier to facilitate precise fluid manipulation and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If structural barriers are used to separate regions for different filler fluids, then fluid separation is achieved, but spatial flexibility is limited and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical structural barriers with an electrical field-based aqueous barrier that can be dynamically formed and reconfigured using electrowetting forces applied to the electrode array, eliminating the need for permanent physical partitions while maintaining fluid separation
Solution Approach 2:
The aqueous barrier is dynamically controllable through voltage application, allowing it to be formed, reconfigured, and removed as needed. This dynamic control provides spatial flexibility and adapts to different assay requirements without requiring multiple fixed structural configurations
2Reliability
If structural barriers are used to prevent intermixing of filler fluids, then fluid separation is improved, but the device loses adaptability to different application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electrowetting-based aqueous barrier can be dynamically formed and reconfigured to accommodate different assay protocols and application requirements. The barrier's position, shape, and presence can be controlled in real-time through voltage application, providing adaptability that fixed structural barriers cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The same electrode array and electrowetting mechanism serve multiple functions: creating aqueous barriers for fluid separation, manipulating droplet positions, and enabling different assay configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for application-specific structural modifications
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrowetting forces are used to create an aqueous barrier, then spatial flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array performs dual functions: it creates the aqueous barrier through electrowetting forces while simultaneously providing droplet manipulation capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms and minimizes overall device complexity despite the advanced control capabilities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient operation of EWOD devices with multiple filler fluids, ensuring minimal intermixing and adaptability to different application requirements by dynamically controlling fluid interactions and transfers within the device.
Implementation Method 1
performing an electrowetting operation to generate an aqueous barrier from the polar fluid source
Implementation Method 2
performing an electrowetting operation to reconfigure the aqueous barrier, and performing an electrowetting operation to move the polar liquid droplet from the first region to the second region through the reconfigured aqueous barrier
Implementation Method 3
performing an electrowetting operation to reconstitute the aqueous barrier to fluidly separate the first region from the second region
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device performs electrowetting operations on fluids dispensed into the EWOD device, which provides enhanced operation for using multiple non-polar filler fluids. The method of operating includes the steps of: dispensing a polar fluid source into the EWOD device; performing an electrowetting operation to generate an aqueous barrier from the polar fluid source, wherein the aqueous barrier separates the EWOD device into a first region and a second region that are fluidly separated from each other by the aqueous barrier; inputting a non-polar first filler fluid into the first region; inputting a non-polar second filler fluid into the second region; dispensing a polar liquid droplet into the first region; transferring the polar liquid droplet from the first region to the second region by performing an electrowetting operation to reconfigure the aqueous barrier, and performing an electrowetting operation to move the polar liquid droplet from the first region to the second region through the reconfigured aqueous barrier; and performing an electrowetting operation to reconstitute the aqueous barrier to fluidly separate the first region from the second region. The method may be performed by an EWOD control system executing program code stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium.