On-Chip Magnetic Bead and Nanoparticle Separation in Compound Droplet EWOD

A novel technique to manipulate, transport and separate magnetic beads and super-paramagnetic nanoparticles in compound droplets on open chip digital microfluidic platform using electrowetting on dielectric has been presented. Magnetic particles added in water-oil based compound droplet are used. The magnetic properties of particles and electrowetting forces are utilized to cause particle separation using magnetic and electric fields. This paper demonstrates magnetic particle concentration and separation in an open digital microfluidic platform using compound droplets. It provides a new paradigm to enhance liquid manipulation using compound droplets on lab-on-chip platforms.