Abstract

Digital Microfluidics: A Platform Whose Time Has Come

Aaron Wheeler, Canada Research Chair, University Of Toronto

Digital microfluidics is a fluid-handling technique in which droplets are manipulated by electrostatic forces on an array of electrodes coated with a hydrophobic insulator. In this talk, I will present recent results from my group’s work with digital microfluidics, with an emphasis on the topics covered in this unique venue. Specifically, I will demonstrate how digital microfluidics is particularly well-suited for Lab on a Chip applications, given its ability to automate diverse laboratory processes on a generic, programmable platform. Likewise, I will report on our work using digital microfluidics for Point of Care Diagnostics and Global Health, reporting on the results of a field trial for measles and rubella diagnostics at refugee sites in Kenya. Finally, I will describe how digital microfluidics is emerging as a useful tool for Single-Cell Analysis and for integration with Mass Spectrometry to answer questions about cell heterogeneity and cell-cell communication. Through these examples, I will make the case that digital microfluidics is emerging as a useful new tool for the next generation of analytical techniques, across a wide range of applications.