Fast Droplet Routing on MEDA Biochips Considering Shape-Dependent Velocity Models and Droplet Separation

In recent years, a compact experimental device known as the Micro Electrode Dot Array (MEDA) biochips have garnered attention in the fields of biochemistry and medicine. Experiments on MEDA biochips are conducted by repeatedly routing microdroplets to their target cells. While numerous studies have addressed droplet routing, few have considered methods that account for velocity models dependent on the shape and size of the droplet. Furthermore, existing methods, which are based on integer programming problems, face the challenge of long solving times. This study aims to accelerate the routing process for droplets of size 2 units. Although the proposed method is also based on integer programming, it introduces constraints that guide droplets closer to the target cell, thereby reducing solving time. Experimental results show that, compared to existing methods, the proposed approach reduced solving time by an average of approximately 75% without degrading the quality of the solution.