Abstract: A method for selecting cells and/or part(s) of a cell(s) based on at least one characteristic in an EWOD or oEWOD device is provided. The method comprising: i. providing a test panel of microdroplets, comprising at least a medium or a medium and at least one cell; ii. providing at least one reporter panel of microdroplets, containing one or more reporter entities; iii. merging microdroplets of the test panel with microdroplets of the at least one reporter panel to form a panel of merged assay microdroplets; and iv. monitoring the panel of assay microdroplets using a detection system capable of detecting a change in said reporter entity based upon the presence of at least one characteristic, and v.

Abstract: A device for manipulating many hundreds or thousands of microdroplets into an array using EWOD or oEWOD is provided. The device comprises: i) a chip comprising a first region for receiving and manipulating microdroplets; a second region comprising the array and a plurality of electrowetting pathways leading to the array; ii) a microdroplet source configured to provide microdroplets of a predetermined target diameter; iii) a channel configured to provide fluid communication between the microdroplet source and the first region of the chip; and iv) a pressure source configured to move the microdroplets between the microdroplet source and the first region of the chip. The electrowetting pathways on the chip are centre to centre separated by at least double the predetermined target diameter of the microdroplets from the microdroplet source. Furthermore, the controller is configured to enable synchronous movement of the microdroplets in the electrowetting pathways by application of EWOD or oEWOD force.

Abstract: A device is provided which comprises: i) a chip comprising a first region for manipulating a plurality of microdroplets; ii) a microdroplet source for providing the microdroplets; iii) a channel having a distal end, which extends in a first direction into the chip, and a proximal end, which is in fluid communication with the microdroplet source; and iv) a pressure source for moving the microdroplets from the microdroplet source along the channel and into the first region of the chip. The pressure source is configured to enable the movement of the microdroplets from the microdroplet source into the proximal end of the channel at a first velocity. Furthermore, the distal end of the channel is fluted or blunted such that the microdroplets move from the distal end of the channel into the first region of the chip at a velocity which is lower than the first velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating one or more microdroplets into an array using EWOD or oEWOD is provided. The apparatus comprises: a) a chip for manipulating microdroplets comprising: i) a plurality of electrowetting pathways leading to the array; and ii) one or more waste electrowetting pathways leading to a waste outlet; b) a detector for detecting one or more microdroplets with a distinct characteristic, said detector configured to obtain a measured dataset relating to the distinct characteristic of the detected microdroplet; c) a storage module configured to store and maintain a stored dataset associated with the characteristic measured by the detector; and d) a controller configured to receive the stored dataset from the storage module and the obtained measured dataset to determine whether the measured dataset is associated with a desired or undesired characteristic.

Abstract: A method of handling an adherent cell in a microdroplet assaying system by conjugating an adherent cell to a microbead is provided. The method 50 comprises the steps of: loading a first plurality of microdroplets into a microfluidic space, wherein each of the first microdroplet 5 contains a microbead 52 and a first fluid; loading a second plurality of microdroplets into the microfluidic space, wherein each of the second microdroplet contains an adherent cell and a second fluid 54; merging the first plurality of microdroplets and the second plurality of microdroplets to form a plurality of merged microdroplets 56, each merged microdroplets containing the first and second fluids, at least one microbead and at least one adherent cell; and10 agitating each of the merged microdroplets 58 to cause the first and second fluids in each of the merged microdroplets to move such that at least one adherent cell adhere to the at least one microbead. [FIG.

Abstract: A device for manipulating microdroplets, the device comprising a microfluidic chip adapted to receive and manipulate microdroplets dispersed in carrier fluid flowing along pathways on a surface of the chip, wherein the microdroplets are manipulated using an optically-mediated electrowetting (oEWOD) force; characterised in that the surface of the chip comprises a coating structure configured to allow controlled attachment and/or detachment of adherent cells contained within the microdroplets by application of the oEWOD force.