Printed digital microfluidic devices methods of use and manufacture thereof

US9594056B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Governing Council of the University of Toronto · CA

Inventors

• Ryan Fobel · Toronto, CA
• Andrea KIRBY · Toronto, CA
• Aaron R. Wheeler · Toronto, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 27, 2014
• Grant date: Mar 14, 2017
• Expiry date: Jun 22, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B81C2201/0185
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure digital microfluidic arrays that may be fabricated by a printing method, whereby digital microfluidic electrodes arrays are printed, via a printing method such as inkjet printing, onto a suitable substrate. In some embodiments, a substrate and/or ink is prepared or modified to support the printing of electrode arrays, such as via changes to the surface energy. In some embodiments, porous and/or fibrous substrates are prepared by the addition of a barrier layer, or, for example, by the addition or infiltration of a suitable material to render the surface capable of supporting printed electrodes. Various example embodiments involving hybrid devices formed by the printing of digital microfluidic arrays onto a substrate having a hydrophilic layer are disclosed.