Abstract: A magnetic digital microfluidic apparatus for manipulating a liquid droplet containing magnetic particles using a magnetic force, the apparatus comprising: a hydrophobic surface on which the liquid droplet containing magnetic particles can be moved using the magnetic force; and at least one surface energy trap provided to retain at least a portion of the liquid droplet thereon, the at least one surface energy trap comprising a layer of polydopamine. A method of magnetic digital microfluidic manipulation, the method comprising the steps of: a) contacting a liquid droplet on a hydrophobic surface with a polydopamine surface energy trap, the liquid droplet containing magnetic particles; b) retaining at least a portion of the liquid droplet on the surface energy trap; and c) moving at least the magnetic particles with a magnetic force.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic digital microfluidic system for performing an assay, the system comprising, abase member comprising at least one magnet disposed thereon; the magnet being configured to immobilise a droplet of reaction mixture doped with magnetic particles; and a droplet manipulator configured to be moveably mountable on the base member, said droplet manipulator comprising at least one test unit, each test unit comprising at least one mixing element for mixing the droplet of reaction mixture; wherein the mixing element is arranged to induce mixing as the droplet manipulator is moved in relation to the base member along an alignment path. There is also provided a method of performing an assay with the magnetic digital microfluidic system as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A magnetic digital microfluidic apparatus for manipulating a liquid droplet containing magnetic particles using a magnetic force, the apparatus comprising: a hydrophobic surface on which the liquid droplet containing magnetic particles can be moved using the magnetic force; and at least one surface energy trap provided to retain at least a portion of the liquid droplet thereon, the at least one surface energy trap comprising a layer of polydopamine. A method of magnetic digital microfluidic manipulation, the method comprising the steps of: a) contacting a liquid droplet on a hydrophobic surface with a polydopamine surface energy trap, the liquid droplet containing magnetic particles; b) retaining at least a portion of the liquid droplet on the surface energy trap; and c) moving at least the magnetic particles with a magnetic force.