Being able to separate the plasma from cells and generate sufficient quantity of plasma is one of the most basic, central, and crucial steps in the field of diagnostic to maximize the performance of the test devices [1]. The centrifugal method is one of the most common techniques that filter the plasma from cells in whole blood.

We designed a printed circuit board that simulates the centrifugal separation of plasma from whole blood. In this project, 77 electrodes are shaped in a (7cm diameter) circle to actuate droplets.

The speed 2200-2500 rpm is reported as the required angular velocity to separate plasma from whole blood [2], showing that the minimum required linear velocity is possible in EWOD as the highest value of linear velocity is reported 400 m/s.

" Sep 2021 Edit" :

We are currently working on the droplet's velocity limitation and an active feedback control system to precisely monitor and actuate the droplet in its circular path. To name some challenges, we are facing in this project:

hydrophobic guide channel to control the centrifugal force

Wiring the electrode, which requires tracks at both sides of the PCB. Tracks at the top surface are bothering droplet motion.

Velocity saturation of the droplet.