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: 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 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: A device for dispensing one or more microdroplets is provided. The device comprising a microfluidic chip having an oEWOD structure configured to create an optically-mediated electrowetting (oEWOD) force, the microfluidic chip includes a first region and a second region, wherein said first and second regions are separated by a constriction; wherein the first region is adapted to receive and manipulate one or more microdroplets dispersed in a carrier fluid at first flow rate; and wherein the second region is configured to receive the microdroplet via the constriction from the first region and transfer said microdroplet to an outlet port of the microfluidic chip in a second flow rate; wherein the second region is configured to receive said microdroplet via the constriction from the first region by application of an optically -mediated electrowetting (oEWOD) force; and wherein the second flow rate in the second region is higher than the first flow rate in the first flow region.

Abstract: A device for manipulating microdroplets comprises a microfluidic chip adapted to receive and manipulate microdroplets dispersed in a carrier fluid flowing along pathways therethrough characterised in that chip includes regions of differing or zero microdroplet fluid flow rates. Also disclosed is an electrowetting means of transporting emulsions and components of emulsions between the different flow regions.