Single sided light-actuated microfluidic device with integrated mesh ground

US9815056B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The Regents of the University of California · US
• Berkeley Lights, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Ming-Chiang Wu · Santa Monica, US
• Jodi Tsu-An Loo · Craydon Court, US
• Shao Ning Pei · Albany, US
• Gaetan L. Mathieu · Varennes, CA
• Jian Gong · Danville, US
• Randall D. Lowe, Jr. · Emeryville, US
• Justin K. Valley · Dallas, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 2015
• Grant date: Nov 14, 2017
• Expiry date: Dec 4, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01L2400/0427
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Single-sided optoelectrowetting (SSOEW)-configured substrates are provided, as well as microfluidic devices that include such substrates. The substrates can include a planar electrode, a photoconductive (or photosensitive) layer, a dielectric layer (single-layer or composite), a mesh electrode, and a hydrophobic coating. Fluid droplets can be moved across the hydrophobic coating of such substrates in a light-actuated manner, upon the application of a suitable AC voltage potential across the substrate and the focusing of light into the photoconductive layer of the substrate in a location proximal to the droplets. Walls can be disposed upon the substrates to form the microfluidic devices. Together the walls and substrate can form a microfluidic circuit, through which droplets can be moved.