VARIABLE CONTROL OF ELECTROOSMOTIC AND/OR ELECTROPHORETIC FORCES WITHIN A FLUID CONTAINING STRUCTURE VIA ELECTRICAL FORCES

摘要

PURPOSE: Current or electrical parameters, other than voltage, is provided to variably control electroosmotic and/or electrophoretic forces within a fluid containing structure via electrical forces. CONSTITUTION: A microfluidic system (partially shown by element 178 in the figure and elements thereupon ) has a plural of channel network connected each other and a plural of electrodes positioned to a different mode of channel network in order to electro kinetically move the materials within a fluid through the channel network. The current can measure the movement of fluids through the channels of the system. The electrical parameters such as voltage, other than current can be used. Time multiplexed power supplies(200,202) for precise and efficient control also provide further control over fluid movement by varying the voltage on an electrode connected to a fluid reservoir of the microfluidic system, by varying the duty cycle during which the voltage is applied to the electrode, or by a combination of both. A time multiplexed power supply can also be connected to more than one electrode for a saving in cost.