Timing controllable electrofusion device for aqueous droplet-based microreactors

Abstract

This paper describes an electrofusion device for controlling the precise moment of fusion between droplets by applying an electric field. This device allows (i) accurate determination of the start of chemical/biological reactions, (ii) minimum contact of reactants with channel walls—eliminating surface absorption problems, (iii) easy fabrication and (iv) continuous observation of initiated reaction. We demonstrated the fusion of β-galactosidase and fluorescein di-β-D-galactopyranoside (FDG) droplets, and observed the enzymatic reaction using fluorescence microscopy. In addition, sequential fusion of pico-litre droplets was also accomplished.