Systems and methods for optical actuation of microfluidics based on OPTO-electrowetting
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Abstract
The invention is related to methods and apparatus that manipulate droplets in a microfluidic environment. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention manipulate droplets by controlling the electro-wetting characteristics of a surface with light, thereby inducing a gradient in the surface tension of a droplet. The gradient in the surface tension propels the droplet by capillary force. A variety of operations, such as transporting, joining, cutting, and creating can be performed. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention obviate the need to create a relatively large and complex control electrode array. A plurality of photoconductive cells or a layer of a photoconductive material selectively couples an electrode carrying an electrical bias to otherwise floating conductive cells in response to a beam of light. The electrical bias applied to the conductive cell generates a localized electric field, which can change the contact angle of the droplet, thereby permitting the droplet to be propelled.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1-20. -20. (canceled)
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21. A method of manipulating a droplet in a microscale laboratory environment comprising:
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providing a first plate and the second plate;
holding the droplet between the first plate and the second plate; and
selectively illuminating a portion of at least one surface of the first plate and the second plate such that the illuminated portion exhibits a lower contact angle with water than areas that are not illuminated, thereby permitting manipulation of the droplet. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method of manipulating a droplet, comprising:
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providing a first plate and the second plate;
said first and second plates having opposing surfaces;
placing a droplet between the opposing surfaces of the first and second plates; and
electro-optically inducing a gradient in surface tension of the droplet;
wherein the gradient in the surface tension imparts motion to the droplet, thereby facilitating manipulation of the droplet. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A method of manipulating a droplet, comprising:
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providing a first plate and a second plate;
said first and second plates having opposing surfaces;
said first and second plates adapted for coupling to a voltage bias source;
wherein at least one of said opposing surfaces comprises a photoconductive layer;
placing a droplet between the opposing surfaces of the first and second plates; and
electro-optically inducing a gradient in surface tension of the droplet;
wherein the gradient in the surface tension imparts motion to the droplet, thereby facilitating manipulation of the droplet. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38)
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35-1. A method as recited in claim 34, wherein said induced gradient propels the droplet by capillary force.
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36-2. A method as recited in claim 34, wherein said droplet comprises a single droplet or a plurality of droplets.
Specification