Virtual Stencil for Patterning and Modeling in a Quantitative Volume Using EWOD and DEP Devices for Microfluidics.

Yi-Wei Lin,Ying-Jhen Ciou,Da-Jeng Yao

doi:10.3390/mi12091104

Abstract

Applying microfluidic patterning, droplets were precisely generated on an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) chip considering these parameters: number of generating electrodes, number of cutting electrodes, voltage, frequency and gap between upper and lower plates of the electrode array on the EWOD chip. In a subsequent patterning experiment, an environment with three generating electrodes, one cutting electrode and a gap height 10 μm, we obtained a quantitative volume for patterning. Propylene carbonate liquid and a mixed colloid of polyphthalate carbonate (PPC) and photosensitive polymer material were manipulated into varied patterns. With support from a Z-axis lifting platform and a UV lamp, a cured 3D structure was stacked. Using an EWOD system, a multi-layer three-dimensional structure was produced for the patterning. A two-plate EWOD system patterned propylene carbonate in a quantitative volume at 140 Vpp/20 kHz with automatic patterning.

Highlights

Printing technology has traditionally been widely used to print books, newspapers and printing electronics
To address applications such as those we have highlighted, we examine the use of a microfluidic technology to manipulate liquids into arbitrary shapes using digitally addressed electrodes
The distance between the plates was defined with double-sided tape as 20 μm

Summary

Introduction

Printing technology has traditionally been widely used to print books, newspapers and printing electronics. Existing printing techniques include inkjet printing [1,2], screen printing, gravure printing, letterpress printing and roll-to-roll printing [3,4]. Noh et al evaluated the limit of accuracy of printing registration of a gravure printing system [5]. The service life of the mold is curtailed because of the contact between a scraper and a master mold. The master mold has a problem of high production cost and its production is time-consuming; because of the fixed mold, there is a single master mold corresponding to a single pattern, which is unconducive to an initial development of a product. A maskless patterning technology will be of great assistance to early-stage R&D of products and prevent master mold degradation

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion