Berkeley Lights, Inc.

University of California

Bruker Cellular Analysis, Inc.

Shao Ning Pei

Gaetan L Mathieu

Mark P White

Jian Gong

Randall D Lowe, Jr

Alexander J Mastroianni

Kevin T Chapman

Justin K Valley

Jason M McEwen

Ming-Chiang Wu

Peter J Beemiller

Natalie C Marks

Yelena Bronevetsky

Guido K Stadler

Kevin D Loutherback

Jodi Tsu-An Loo

Annamaria Mocciaro

Jason M Mcewen

Amanda L Goodsell

Duane Smith

Randall D Lowe

Jr Randall D Lowe

Andrew W Mcfarland

Microfluidic devices having an electrowetting configuration and an optimized droplet actuation surface are provided. The devices include a conductive substrate having a dielectric layer, a hydrophobic layer covalently bonded to the dielectric layer, and a first electrode electrically coupled to the dielectric layer and configured to be connected to a voltage source. The microfluidic devices also include a second electrode configured to be connected to the voltage source. The hydrophobic layer features self-associating molecules covalently bonded to a surface of the dielectric layer in a manner that produces a densely-packed monolayer that resists intercalation and or penetration by polar molecules or species. Also provided are microfluidic devices having an electrowetting configuration that further include a section having a dielectrophoresis configuration; systems that include microfluidic devices in combination with an aqueous droplet and a fluidic medium immiscible with the aqueous droplet; related kits; and methods of manipulating droplets within the microfluidic devices.

Microfluidic apparatus having an optimized electrowetting surface and related systems and methods

Microfluidic devices having an electrowetting configuration and an optimized droplet actuation surface are provided. The devices include a conductive substrate having a dielectric layer, a hydrophobic layer covalently bonded to the dielectric layer, and a first electrode electrically coupled to the dielectric layer and configured to be connected to a voltage source. The microfluidic devices also include a second electrode, optionally included in a cover, configured to be connected to the voltage source. The hydrophobic layer features self-associating molecules covalently bonded to a surface of the dielectric layer in a manner that produces a densely-packed monolayer that resists intercalation and or penetration by polar molecules or species. Also provided are microfluidic devices having an electrowetting configuration that further include a section or module having a dielectrophoresis configuration; systems that include any of the microfluidic devices in combination with an aqueous droplet and a fluidic medium immiscible with the medium of the aqueous droplet; related kits; and methods of manipulating droplets, optionally containing micro-objects such as biological cells, within the microfluidic devices.

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.

Single-sided light-actuated microfluidic device with integrated mesh ground

Growing community of inventors

Albany, CA, United States of America

Shao Ning Pei