Method for adding solutions to droplets in a microfluidic environment using electric potentials or ultrasound

摘要

The invention provides a method and apparatus for coalescing liquid moieties in the presence of an immiscible carrier liquid. Typically the liquid moieties would include droplets that can be moved by moving the immiscible liquid before or after coalescence. The liquid moieties are brought into proximity and then coalesced. Coalescence can be brought about by applying an electric potential to an electrode or electrodes that are in contact with at least one of the liquid moieties. Alternatively, coalescence can be brought about by applying an electric potential to a conductor that is capacitively coupled to at least one of the liquid moieties. A third alternative is to apply high frequency sound to at least one of the liquid moieties to bring about coalescence.