Issue 5, 2023

Digital microfluidics for biological analysis and applications

Abstract

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is an emerging liquid-handling technology based on arrays of microelectrodes for the precise manipulation of discrete droplets. DMF offers the benefits of automation, addressability, integration and dynamic configuration ability, and provides enclosed picoliter-to-microliter reaction space, making it suitable for lab-on-a-chip biological analysis and applications that require high integration and intricate processes. A review of DMF bioassays with a special emphasis on those actuated by electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) force is presented here. Firstly, a brief introduction is presented on both the theory of EWOD actuation and the types of droplet motion. Subsequently, a comprehensive overview of DMF-based biological analysis and applications, including nucleic acid, protein, immunoreaction and cell assays, is provided. Finally, a discussion on the strengths, challenges, and potential applications and perspectives in this field is presented.

Graphical abstract: Digital microfluidics for biological analysis and applications

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
14 aug 2022
Accepted
15 dec 2022
First published
16 jan 2023

Lab Chip, 2023,23, 1169-1191

Digital microfluidics for biological analysis and applications

X. Xu, L. Cai, S. Liang, Q. Zhang, S. Lin, M. Li, Q. Yang, C. Li, Z. Han and C. Yang, Lab Chip, 2023, 23, 1169 DOI: 10.1039/D2LC00756H

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