Mechatronic systems in digital microfluidics

Abstract

A mechatronic system to drive and control a digital microfluidics (DMF) microchip is developed and demonstrated. It features two key functionalities for digital microfluidics: (1) the application of different driving forces/frequencies through integrated electronic circuitry, and (2) the capability of programming a series of DMF actuations on electrodes for automation with a friendly graphical user interface (GUI). Integration of a real-time monitoring system can expand system functionality to achieve a fully closed-loop control for practical applications. This article provides a guideline for the construction of a mechatronic system for DMF, which thus allows the utilization of a DMF microchip to automate biological laboratory procedures.