Techniques and droplet actuator designs for reducing bubble formation
US9238222B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2400/0448
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
During droplet operations in a droplet actuator, bubbles often form in the filler fluid in the droplet operations gap and interrupt droplet operations. The present invention provides methods and systems for performing droplet operations on a droplet in a droplet actuator comprising maintaining substantially consistent contact between the droplet and an electrical ground while conducting multiple droplet operations on the droplet in the droplet operations gap and/or reducing the accumulation of electrical charges in the droplet operations gap during multiple droplet operations. The methods and systems reduce or eliminate bubble formation in the filler fluid of the droplet operations gap, thereby permitting completion of multiple droplet operations without interruption by bubble formation in the filler fluid in the droplet operations gap.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.