Wireless Ewod (electrowetting-on-dielectric) Device Using Planar Coils

This paper describes development and experimental verifications of wireless powering for EWOD microfluidics. First, the wireless powering is achieved by planar PCB coils (not by bulky, spool-type, conventional coils), resulting in seamless integration with EWOD array electrodes on a single and compact chip. Second, the obtained voltage for wireless EWOD is over 230Vrms, much higher than typically required EWOD voltages. Finally, the amplitude modulation (AM) technique is applied to the present wireless powering in order to oscillate droplets and thus minimize adverse effects of friction (contact angle hysteresis) on lateral transportation of droplets. These accomplishments would facilitate remote application of EWOD microfluidics to hard-to-reach areas (e.g., implantable EWOD microfluidics powered by an external source).