Electrostatic potential wells for on-demand drop manipulation in microchannels

Riëlle de Ruiter, Arjen Pit, V. Martins de Oliveira, Michael H.G. Duits, Henricus T.M. van den Ende, Friedrich Gunther Mugele

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Precise control and manipulation of individual drops are crucial in many lab-on-a-chip applications. We present a novel hybrid concept for channel-based discrete microfluidics with integrated electrowetting functionality by incorporating co-planar electrodes (separated by a narrow gap) in one of the microchannel walls. By combining the high throughput of channel-based microfluidics with the individual drop control achieved using electrical actuation, we acquire the strengths of both worlds. The tunable strength of the electrostatic forces enables a wide range of drop manipulations, such as on-demand trapping and release, guiding, and sorting of drops in the microchannel. In each of these scenarios, the retaining electrostatic force competes with the hydrodynamic drag force. The conditions for trapping can be predicted using a simple model that balances these forces.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)883-891
JournalLab on a chip
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Keywords

  • METIS-308372
  • IR-93804

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