A world-to-chip interface for digital microfluidics

Anal Chem. 2009 Feb 1;81(3):1061-7. doi: 10.1021/ac802154h.

Abstract

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a fluid handling technique that enables manipulation of discrete droplets on an array of electrodes. There is considerable enthusiasm for this method because of the potential for array-based screening applications. A limitation for DMF is nonspecific adsorption of reagents to device surfaces. If a given device is used to actuate multiple reagents, this phenomenon can cause undesirable cross-contamination. A second limitation for DMF (and all other microfluidic systems) is the "world-to-chip" interface; it is notoriously difficult to deliver reagents and samples to such systems without compromising the oft-hyped advantages of rapid analyses and reduced reagent consumption. We introduce a new strategy for digital microfluidics, in which a removable plastic "skin" is used to (a) eliminate cross-contamination and (b) bridge the world-to-chip interface. We demonstrated the utility of this format by implementing on-chip protein digestion on immobilized enzyme depots. This new method has the potential to transform DMF from being a curiosity for aficionados into a technology that is useful for biochemical applications at large.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrodes
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods*
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Proteins