Combination of optical manipulation of particles and patterning of hydrogels for demonstration of digital drug cocktails

This study presents an integrated microfluidic system combining two techniques, including an optically-induced dielectrophoresis (ODEP) module for manipulation of drug particles and an UV-direct-writing module capable of patterning of hydrogel, for applications of digital drug cocktails. This system was able to provide an automatic and customized production of drug cocktails. Experimental results showed that poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel performed well under the ODEP operation which made it possible to be manipulated and UV-cured to form the drug particles. Moreover, a drug cocktail could be formed in less than 30∼60 seconds. With a digital micromirror device (DMD) to form an UV-direct-writing module, the UV-curable pattern could be easily designed and formed, thereby allowing the formation of drug cocktails patterned in different shapes.