Issue 7, 2009

DEP actuated nanoliter droplet dispensing using feedback control

Abstract

Dielectrophoretic (DEP) droplet dispensing using dielectric-coated coplanar electrode structures provides an ideal platform for testing smart control systems for high-speed microfluidic devices. Open-loop control of DEP droplet dispensing is not sufficiently robust for precision droplet dispensing because unavoidable surface property variations of the substrates and other parameters such as liquid viscosity introduce uncertainty in the motion. Closed-loop systems employing distributed optical sensors and feedback provide flexibility, sensitivity, and reliability. In this new scheme, an array of distributed optical sensors detects fluid motion and, through a programmable control module, triggers application of AC voltage bursts of appropriate magnitude, duration, and frequency to control liquid motion and droplet formation. Reconfiguring the module connections and reprogramming the control module permits testing of a variety of control strategies.

Graphical abstract: DEP actuated nanoliter droplet dispensing using feedback control

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
24 Sep 2008
Accepted
24 Nov 2008
First published
24 Dec 2008

Lab Chip, 2009,9, 901-909

DEP actuated nanoliter droplet dispensing using feedback control

K. Wang, T. B. Jones and A. Raisanen, Lab Chip, 2009, 9, 901 DOI: 10.1039/B816438J

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