Mechanically flexible microfluidics for microparticle dispensing based on traveling wave dielectrophoresis

Transdermal delivery has emerged as an attractive drug administration approach. A soft flexible transdermal delivery device that can dispense drugs in an on-demand and controllable manner is promising for healthcare. Here we report a mechanically flexible microfluidic device with on-demand and controllable dispensing capability based on traveling wave dielectrophoresis (twDEP). The device is an integration of a microfluidic channel for microparticle transport and an interdigitated electrode array for phase-shifted electric field generation. Microparticles are used to mimic drug molecules. The twDEP provides a feasible mechanism for microparticle transportation. The on-demand dispensing is achieved upon the application of alternating current (AC) electrical inputs. The dispensing flow velocity controllability lies in the amplitude and frequency of the applied AC potential. The demonstration of controllable microparticle dispensing in the mechanically flexible microfluidic device suggests its usage for transdermal drug dispensing through optimization based on drug properties and integration with drug storage and release components.