Democratizing Digital Microfluidics by a Cloud-based Design and Manufacturing Platform

Abstract

Resembling the impact of digital microelectronics on electronic devices for information technology, digital microfluidics (DMF) was anticipated to transform fluidic devices for lab-on-a-chip (LoC) applications. However, despite a wealth of research and publications, electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) DMF has not seen the anticipated wide adoption, and commercialization has been painfully slow. Identifying technological and resource hurdles of developing own DMF chip and control system as the culprit, we envision to democratize DMF by building a standardized design and manufacturing platform. Toward this vision, we introduce a proof-of-concept cloud platform that empowers any users to design, obtain, and operate DMF chips (https://edroplets.org). For chip design, we establish a web-based EWOD chip design platform with layout rules and automated wire routing. For chip manufacturing, we build a web-based EWOD chip manufacturing platform and fabricate four types of EWOD chips (i.e., glass, paper, PCB, and TFT) to exercise the foundry service workflow. For chip control, we introduce a compact EWOD control system along with a web-based operating software. Although industrial fabrication services are beyond the current scope, we hope this Perspective will inspire academic and commercial stakeholders to join the initiative toward a DMF ecosystem for the masses.