Enhanced micro-droplet splitting, concentration, sensing and ejection by integrating ElectroWetting-On-Dielectrics and Surface Acoustic Wave technologies

This paper demonstrates several enhanced microfluidic functions achieved by integrating two different micro droplet actuation systems (Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW) and ElectroWetting-On-Dielectric (EWOD)). The paper reports how SAW can be employed to help EWOD create and split droplets by augmenting the EWOD force to complete the operation. It also demonstrates how EWOD can be used to guide and precisely position microdroplets for further efficient SAW actuated movement (pumping), concentration and ejection of droplets. The paper also highlights how this combination can also be employed to position droplets for shear wave SAW sensing.