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

摘要

In a microfluidic system (partially shown by element 178 in the figure andelements thereupon) using electrokinetic forces, the present invention useselectrical current or electrical parameters, other than voltage, to controlthe movement of fluids through the channels of the system. Time-multiplexedpower supplies (200 and 202) also provide further control over fluid movementby varying the voltage on an electrode connected to a fluid reservoir of themicrofluidic system, by varying the duty cycle during which the voltage isapplied to the electrode, or by a combination of both. A time-multiplexedpower supply can also be connected to more than one electrode for a saving incost.