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Method of Fluid Manipulation By Electrodewetting

Technology Benefits

Simple set upDoes not require permanent manipulation of the surfaceCompatible with hydrophilic materials such as glassTemporary changes that can be easily modified according to the requirements

Technology Application

Biomedical devices such as on-chip synthesis, in vitro fertilization culturing, high-throughput PCROptical devices such as variable lens, electronic paper, video displaysElectronic devices such as variable capacitor, electronic switchMechanical instruments such as rheometer

Detailed Technology Description

UCLA researchers have developed a novel method termed electrode dewetting on dielectric (EDOD) that has the opposite effect of EWOD. It can be used to move or modify a fluid droplet much like EWOD but does not require a hydrophobic surface as EWOD does. The result is also opposite as it reduces the contact area (dewetting) between a liquid droplet and surface while EWOD increases the contact area (wetting) between liquid droplet and surface.

Others

Background

Electrode wetting on dielectric (EWOD) is a well-known effect that involves application of electric field to move or modify a fluid droplet. It is most commonly utilized in biomedical devices that require manipulation of small liquid volumes (on the order of 400nL). However, its main limitation is that it requires a hydrophobic surface. Since most synthesized or natural surfaces are hydrophilic, the dielectrics are coated with a hydrophobic material that often reduces the shelf life of the dielectric, is prone to failure and is costly.

Additional Technologies by these Inventors

• Complete Transfer of Liquid Drops by Modification of Nozzle Design
• Micropumping of Liquids by Directional Growth and Selective Venting of Bubbles
• High-speed Switching of Droplet by Electric Meniscus Actuation
• Selective Surface Coating and/or Treatment of Printing Pins
• On-chip, Real-time Feedback Control for Electrical Manipulation of Droplets
• Localized Droplet Heating with Surface Electrodes in Microfluidic Chips
• No-Assembly Devices for Microfluidics Inside a Cavity
• Methods of Restoring and Maintaining Gas Film on Superhydrophobic Surfaces while Underwater
• Membraneless Fuel Cell with Self-Pumped Fuel and Oxidant
• Microstructured Cathode for Self-Regulated Oxygen Generation and Consumption
• Liquid-Repellent Surfaces Made of Any Materials
• A Low-Profile Flow Shear Sensing Unit
• Method for Commercial Production of Super-Hydrophobic Materials

Tech ID/UC Case

27230/2016-409-0

Related Cases

2016-409-0

*Abstract

UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel method that allows the manipulation of liquid droplets on a surface.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Chang-Jin Kim

Department:

Name: Jia Li

Department:

Country/Region

USA