Abstract: Provided herein are methods, and compositions for the real-time detection of protein synthesis. The methods are applicable to monitoring on a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A method for moving an aqueous droplet comprising providing an electrokinetic device including a first substrate having a matrix of electrodes, wherein each of the matrix electrodes is coupled to a thin film transistor, and wherein the matrix electrodes are overcoated with a functional coating comprising: a dielectric layer in contact with the matrix electrodes, a conformal layer in contact with the dielectric layer, and a hydrophobic layer in contact with the conformal layer; a second substrate comprising a top electrode; a spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and defining an electrokinetic workspace; and a voltage source operatively coupled to the matrix electrodes. The method further comprises disposing an aqueous droplet on a first matrix electrode; and providing a differential electrical potential between the first matrix electrode and a second matrix electrode with the voltage source, thereby moving the aqueous droplet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the cell-free expression of peptides or proteins in a liquid filled digital microfluidic device. The droplets having the components required for cell-free protein expression can be manipulated by electrokinesis in order to enhance levels of protein expression in the droplets.

Abstract: A method for moving an aqueous droplet comprising providing an electrokinetic device including a first substrate having a matrix of electrodes, wherein each of the matrix electrodes is coupled to a thin film transistor, and wherein the matrix electrodes are overcoated with a functional coating comprising: a dielectric layer in contact with the matrix electrodes, a conformal layer in contact with the dielectric layer, and a hydrophobic layer in contact with the confornial layer; a second substrate comprising a top electrode; a spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and defining an electrokinetic workspace; and a voltage source operatively coupled to the niatrix electrodes. The method further comprises disposing an aqueous droplet on a first matrix electrode; and providing a differential electrical potential between the first matrix electrode and a second matrix electrode with the voltage source, thereby moving the aqueous droplet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the cell-free expression of peptides or proteins in a liquid filled digital microfluidic device. The droplets having the components required for cell-free protein expression can be manipulated by electrokinesis in order to enhance levels of protein expression in the droplets.

Abstract: A method for moving an aqueous droplet comprising providing an electrokinetic device including a first substrate having a matrix of electrodes, wherein each of the matrix electrodes is coupled to a thin film transistor, and wherein the matrix electrodes are overcoated with a functional coating comprising: a dielectric layer in contact with the matrix electrodes, a conformal layer in contact with the dielectric layer, and a hydrophobic layer in contact with the confornial layer; a second substrate comprising a top electrode; a spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and defining an electrokinetic workspace; and a voltage source operatively coupled to the niatrix electrodes. The method further comprises disposing an aqueous droplet on a first matrix electrode; and providing a differential electrical potential between the first matrix electrode and a second matrix electrode with the voltage source, thereby moving the aqueous droplet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the cell-free expression of peptides or proteins in a liquid filled digital microfluidic device. The droplets having the components required for cell-free protein expression can be manipulated by electrokinesis in order to enhance levels of protein expression in the droplets.

Abstract: A method for fabricating at least one aperture (60, 64) with shaped sidewalls in a layer (52) of a light sensitive photopolymer (54), which method comprises: (i) providing the layer (52) of the photopolymer (54); (ii) providing a mask (56); (iii) exposing the photopolymer (54) to light (58); (iv) utilising the mask (56) to control the intensity of the light (58) falling on the photopolymer (54); and (v) forming the mask (56) such that its control of the intensity of the light (58) falling on the photopolymer (54) causes the aperture (60, 64) to have the shaped sidewalls.