An electrolysis-bubble-actuated micropump using electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) for 1xN micro-sample switches

In this paper, the electrolysis-bubble-actuated micropump which takes advantage of EWOD (Electrowetting-on-Dielectric) to approach the feature of 1xN microfluidic switches is reported. With the time-sequence power control, microfluid can be transported by the electrolysis-bubble actuation and directionally controlled by tuning the surface property of microchannels via EWOD. The advantages of this proposed micropump design not only achieve a net pumping flow but also integrate the switch function without the drawbacks that exist in the early reported micropumps and microfluidic switches, such as the complicated moving valves, large/long nozzle-diffuser structure, and high power consumption. Here we describe the design, operation principle and preliminary results of this micropump.