Apparatuses and methods for manipulating droplets
Apparatuses and methods for manipulating droplets are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for manipulating droplets is provided, the apparatus including a substrate, multiple arrays of electrodes disposed on the substrate, wherein corresponding electrodes in each array are connected to a common electrical signal, and a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate first side surface and patterned to cover the electrodes.
1. A method of amplifying DNA comprising:
(a) providing an electrowetting device comprising a printed circuit board substrate comprising an array of electrodes for transporting droplets on the substrate, and a dielectric coating atop the electrodes, wherein the printed circuit board substrate is provided as part of a sandwich structure, the sandwich structure further comprising:
(i) a top plate parallel to the printed circuit board substrate and forming a gap between the top plate and the printed circuit board substrate;
(ii) a seal between the top plate and the printed circuit board substrate;
(iii) oil in the gap; and
(iv) a droplet in the oil in the gap comprising a DNA template;
(b) amplifying the DNA in the droplet in the oil in the gap by thermocycling.