Precision Drop Dispensing and Dynamic Control in DEP Microfluidics

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is manifested as liquid actuation on the top of dielectric-coated electrodes under AC voltage; upon voltage removal the liquid flow breaks into uniform droplets by capillary instability. In this book, Dr. Kai-Liang Wang and Prof. Thomas Jones study the DEP mechanism, and correlate and distinguish DEP and electrowetting. Both mechanisms have great potentials for lab-on-a-chip applications; however, integration of fluidic handling with miniaturized analytical or diagnostic modules imposes challenge on control mechanism. The objective of the authors is to implement timing-based and optical-sensing based dynamic control schemes on DEP devices, and to demonstrate advanced control strategies for high-speed liquid actuation and precision drop dispensing. This book provides an introduction to liquid electromechanics, and a protocol for microfluidic device fabrication and material selection. It also gives a reference for optical detection prototyping, and envisions a simple but practical path for developing novel microfluidic systems. It will be highly useful to graduate students, engineers and scientists in academia and in industry.