2016-409 Fluid Manipulation by Electrodewetting

Summary:

UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel method that allows the manipulation of liquid droplets on a surface.

Background:

Electrode wetting on dielectric (EWOD) is a well-known effect that involves application of electric field to move or modify a fluid droplet. It is most commonly utilized in biomedical devices that require manipulation of small liquid volumes (on the order of 400nL). However, its main limitation is that it requires a hydrophobic surface. Since most synthesized or natural surfaces are hydrophilic, the dielectrics are coated with a hydrophobic material that often reduces the shelf life of the dielectric, is prone to failure and is costly.

Innovation: 

UCLA researchers have developed a novel method termed electrode dewetting on dielectric (EDOD) that has the opposite effect of EWOD. It can be used to move or modify a fluid droplet much like EWOD but does not require a hydrophobic surface as EWOD does. The result is also opposite as it reduces the contact area (dewetting) between a liquid droplet and surface while EWOD increases the contact area (wetting) between liquid droplet and surface.

Patent: 

Methods for fluid manipulation by electrodewetting

Potential Applications:

• Biomedical devices such as on-chip synthesis, in vitro fertilization culturing, high-throughput PCR
• Optical devices such as variable lens, electronic paper, video displays
• Electronic devices such as variable capacitor, electronic switch
• Mechanical instruments such as rheometer

Advantages:

• Simple set up
• Does not require permanent manipulation of the surface
• Compatible with hydrophilic materials such as glass
• Temporary changes that can be easily modified according to the requirements