Author:

Abstract:

We present a novel strategy for patterning single magnetic beads by using digital microfluidics (DMF). A droplet containing a suspension of superparamagnetic particles is transported back and forth over an array of femtoliter-sized microwells by using electrowetting-on-dielectric actuation forces. Compared to existing methods, this technique allows patterning of superparamagnetic beads in microwells with unprecedented high loading efficiencies (>95%) and a high single-bead per microwell resolution, while combining high-throughput printing of particles with a high degree of flexibility. This novel approach for creating highly ordered particle arrays can greatly enhance their application in particle-based bio-assays.