Multi-Droplet Routing based on a Shape-Dependent Velocity Model on MEDA Biochips

Abstract

Digital microfluidic biochips (DMFB) have attracted attention in the biochemical and medical industries. A micro electrode dot array (MEDA) biochip reduces limitations of DMFB which have limitations on droplet size, shape, direction of movement, and sensor. In particular, it is known that the droplet moves at a different velocity model if the shape is changed. However, routing of multiple droplets at the same time with shape-dependent velocities has not been considered in the past. In this paper, we propose a multi-droplet routing technique for MEDA biochips with shape-dependent velocity of droplets. The proposed technique takes the advantage of velocities dependent on the shapes and aim to reduce the overall routing time of droplets from sources to destinations. Simulation results show that the proposed technique shortens the routing time by 90% on average compared to the state-of-the-art technique.