Low-cost, rapid-prototyping of digital microfluidics devices
نویسندگان
چکیده
An innovative and simple microfabrication method for digital microfluidics is presented. In this method, devices are formed from copper substrates or gold compact disks using rapid marker masking to replace photolithography. The new method is capable of forming devices with inter-electrode gaps as small as 50 lm. Saran wrap (polyethylene film) and commercial water repellants were used as dielectric and hydrophobic coatings, respectively, to replace commonly used and more expensive materials such as parylene-C and Teflon-AF. Devices formed by the new method enabled singleand two-plate actuation of droplets with volumes of 1–12 lL. Fabricated devices were successfully tested for droplet manipulation, merging and splitting. We anticipate that this fabrication method will bring digital microfluidics within the reach of any laboratory with minimal facilities.
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