Abstract: The present invention provides modified droplet actuator systems, software, and software-executed methods for use in droplet actuator operation and droplet actuator systems that are configured and programmed to execute such software. The invention provides a computer readable medium storing processor executable code for performing a method, the method comprising receiving a selection of a function to be performed by a droplet actuator, associating the function to a predefined electrode element, associating the predefined electrode element to a grouping of one or more electrodes that perform the function, and adding the grouping of one or more electrodes to an electronic layout of the droplet actuator.

Abstract: The invention is directed to droplet actuator devices and assay methods. The invention includes assay methods of conducting an assay comprising combining a sample with an umbelliferyl derivative, wherein the sample potentially comprises an enzyme capable of cleaving the umbelliferyl derivative and where the umbelliferyl derivative comprises an umbelliferyl core modified with one or more modifying moieties.