Enhancing Digital Microfluidic Biochip Operations with Scheduling Interval Method

Lab-on-Chip (LoC) device that makes use of electro-wetting-on-dielectric (EWoD) technology is called a Digital Microfluidic Biochip (DMFB). DMFBs provide numerous benefits over the conventional laboratory setup and are capable of performing biochemical analysis with efficiency. It employs fewer chemicals and automates labor-intensive procedures that were previously prone to human error. This results in significant savings in terms of lab space, material costs, and assay (biochemical protocol) completion time. Using electrical actuation techniques, the DMFB enables sample preparation, including mixing, separation, merging, and washing. During the preparation process, various chemical solutions are combined in specific volume ratios, resulting in the creation of solutions with predetermined volumes. Focus on reducing fluid usage, mixing counts, process time, and fluid waste; produce precise ratios; increase use of resources while sample preparation. These goals are crucial since several scheduling techniques have been developed to optimize mixing operation sequences. Therefore, we propose an algorithm for DMFB that aims to minimize the use of input pipes, mixer units, and storage units while simultaneously reducing the number of mixing counts, storage counts, and fluid shifting operations. The duration required to complete a mixing process is denoted by “mixing count,” whereas “mixing tree” refers to the overall process of sample preparation. Meanwhile, our proposed scheduling algorithm with interval method reduces the mixing count by an average of 21% after scheduling when compared to a Reservoir Minimizing Scheduling (RMS). In addition, it shows a 10% decrease in average shifting when compared to the RMS.