You are here

Microfluidics Transport and Path Control via Programmable Electrowetting on Dielectric (EWOD) Card

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG03-01ER86124
Agency Tracking Number: 65599T01-II
Amount: $0.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2002
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2520 West 237th Street
Torrance, CA 90505
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Glenn Bastiaans
 (310) 530-7130
 sbirproposals@intopsys.com
Business Contact
 Ashutosh Sharma
Phone: (310) 530-7130
Research Institution
 Oak Ridge National Laboratory
 Friesen Carl
 
1 Bethel Valley Road
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
United States

 Federally Funded R&D Center (FFRDC)
Abstract

65599 Miniaturized chemical sensor systems are being introduced for field analytical applications by the DOE, other government agencies, and industry. Accordingly, compatible systems for introducing and handling small-scale samples will be required for practical, unattended operation. The sample systems must handle small liquid volumes, be comparable in size to the micro-sensor systems, use low voltages and power, be self priming, and avoid dead volumes and pneumatic actuators. Microfluidic sample introduction and handling systems, based on electrowetting technology, have the potential to meet these requirements. Therefore, this project will develop devices, using electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) technology, to perform all of the necessary sample introduction and manipulation functions required for typical applications. Phase I tested and fabricated an EWOD device consisting of a postage stamp sized array of electronically addressable Teflon pads. The surface tension characteristics of the pads could be altered on command, using computer algorithms, to transport droplets as desired. Droplet stability in the EWOD device was examined. In Phase II, the EWOD device fabrication will be advanced by utilizing improved dielectric layers and device designs to prevent electrolysis and to apply electrowetting to a wider range of solutions. Individual EWOD devices will be designed, fabricated, and tested for all specialized functions needed for sample introduction and manipulation. Laboratory and field prototypes for an integrated sampling system interfaced to a microcantilever sensor system will be fabricated and tested. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The EWOD technology should be of interest to the DoD, DOE, other local and federal agencies, and the private sector for security and environmental monitoring, testing and monitoring water quality, industrial process control, and regulation-induced pollution monitoring. Benefits include a heightened level of security protection, reduced manufacturing and environmental remediation costs, and improved performance and affordability of scientific instrumentation and testing.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government