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Thermocapillary Actuation of Liquids Using Patterned Microheater Arrays

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

Joseph P. Valentino
Affiliation:
Departments of Electrical and Chemical Engineering, Princeton University Princeton, NJ 08544, U.S.A.
Anton A. Darhuber
Affiliation:
Departments of Electrical and Chemical Engineering, Princeton University Princeton, NJ 08544, U.S.A.
Sandra M. Troian
Affiliation:
Departments of Electrical and Chemical Engineering, Princeton University Princeton, NJ 08544, U.S.A.
Sigurd Wagner
Affiliation:
Departments of Electrical and Chemical Engineering, Princeton University Princeton, NJ 08544, U.S.A.
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Abstract

We demonstrate a microfluidic actuation technique capable of directing nanoliter liquid samples on the surface of a glass substrate through the use of both electronically addressable heater arrays and chemical patterning. Pathways for liquid movement are delineated by the arrangement of microheaters, which also provide the thermocapillary actuating force. The drops are confined to these pathways by a selectively deposited fluorinated monolayer, which defines the channel edges. Operating voltages in the range of 2-3 V is used to move, split, and trap liquids. This fluid transportation technique enables direct access to liquid samples for handling and diagnostic purposes and offers a low power alternative to existing microfluidic systems.

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Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2003

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