The purpose of this project is to design and develop a microfluidic sub-module that can generate a sequential array of aliquots of different materials separated by air spacers so that these materials can be printed in a 3D bio-printing platform using a single nozzle. Segmented flows of aliquots in microfluidic channels separated by gas slugs have numerous applications including high-throughput chemical and biological assays. Among different approaches, the pressure driven T-junction mechanism has been used extensively; However, aliquots are formed continuously when the pressures at the two inputs are maintained. Our approach utilizes a new mechanism for creating aliquots in a microfluidic T-junction using electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD). The new mechanism enables real-time digital control of aliquot formation that is not achievable by conventional passive pressure driven systems.
This project is part of the 3D bio-printing project in collaboration with the Walus lab.