Digital Microfluidics
Digital Microfluidics - Related Videos
10:55
Digital Microfluidics for Automated Proteomic Processing
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Cited by 30 •
2009
Digital Microfluidics is a technique characterized by the manipulation of discrete droplets (~nL - mL) on an array of electrodes by the application of electrical fields. It is well-suited for carrying out rapid, sequential, miniaturized automated biochemical assays. Here, we report a platform capable of automating several proteomic processing steps.
10:35
Studies of Bacterial Chemotaxis Using Microfluidics - Interview
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Cited by 1 •
2007
10:09
A Digital Microfluidic Electroporation Platform for Low-Input CRISPR Genome Editing and mRNA Transfection In Suspension T Cells and 3D Cell Models
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2026
This protocol describes miniaturized CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing of TCRα/β receptor in primary human T cells using ‘DMF-ection’, a digital microfluidic (DMF) electroporation platform. The method enables parallel, low-input gene editing with high viability and is further adaptable for mRNA delivery into multicellular 3D spheroids.
10:18
Multi-step Variable Height Photolithography for Valved Multilayer Microfluidic Devices
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Cited by 26 •
2017
Multilayer microfluidic devices often involve the fabrication of master molds with complex geometries for functionality. This article presents a complete protocol for multi-step photolithography with valves and variable height features tunable to any application. As a demonstration, we fabricate a microfluidic droplet generator capable of producing hydrogel beads.
05:46
A Versatile Kit Based on Digital Microfluidics Droplet Actuation for Science Education
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Cited by 2 •
2021
We describe an educational kit that allows users to execute multiple experiments and gain hands-on experience on digital microfluidics.
FAQs
Electrowetting controls droplet motion by changing how a liquid interacts with a dielectric-coated electrode. Applying a voltage alters the electrode’s wettability, allowing a droplet to be positioned or directed on the miniaturized surface. By programming voltage changes, the same control principle can support movement, merging, splitting, and mixing during an analysis.
Discrete droplets let the platform handle small, separate sample portions as individually controllable units. Electrical control can direct those portions through successive operations, including movement, merging, splitting, and mixing. This modular handling supports precise fluid management and allows several stages of chemical or biological analysis to be coordinated on one miniaturized surface.
A reconfigurable design allows multiple fluid-handling operations to occur on the same platform rather than requiring a separate arrangement for each task. Researchers can coordinate droplet movement, combination, division, and mixing through programmable electrical control. This flexibility supports varied laboratory workflows and helps digital microfluidics adapt to chemical and biological analyses.
A workflow can program electrical control to move droplets into position, merge selected liquids, split portions, and mix contents as needed. These operations can be arranged as successive stages for chemical or biological analysis, including sample preparation. Integrating them on one surface reduces the need for separate handling stages and supports automated processing.
In bioengineering, Digital Microfluidics supports automated sample preparation, nucleic acid analysis, immunoassays, and cell-based studies. It can also serve other laboratory workflows that require controlled handling of chemical or biological samples. Because operations are programmable and integrated, the technique is relevant to portable diagnostics, high-throughput experimentation, and personalized biomedical research.
The platform can reduce reagent use and processing time while maintaining precise control over fluid-handling operations. Its miniaturized, reconfigurable format also supports portable diagnostic systems and high-throughput experiments. For personalized biomedical research, the ability to coordinate several operations on one surface can help organize customized analytical workflows and sample-processing strategies.