Method for rapid and precise manipulation of a tiny volume of liquid droplets
US10365187B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2400/0478
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for rapid and precise manipulation and transfer of tiny liquid droplets. by dynamically introducing microstructures with relatively high surface energy to a non-wettable surface, which surface has in-situ switchable adhesion to liquid droplets. By penetrating microstructures on the background surface, the chemical property of the surface is locally modified. Capillary bridges will form between microstructures and liquid droplets which lead to high adhesive forces. When the microstructures are retracted, the capillary bridges either pinch-off or recede, which drastically reduces the adhesion. With proper chemical modification, the surface can either manipulate a liquid droplet in air or in an immiscible carrier liquid. Tiny droplets with volumes down to nanoliter scale can be prepared and dispensed by using the surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.