Autonomous microfluidic transport using electrowetting-based valves and integrated cells

Autonomous control of the transport of solutions in microfabricated flow channels using electrowetting-based valves and integrated electrochemical cells is proposed. An electrowetting-based valve formed with a gold electrode was opened when an electrolyte solution reached a zinc electrode in a controlling flow channel and a potential was applied to the gold electrode, causing the transport of the solution in the flow channel. Independent composite electrodes consisting of gold and zinc could function in the same manner without requiring additional electrodes. Controlled autonomous transport of solutions in a network of flow channels could also be carried out using the integrated valves.