Method of Loading a Droplet Actuator

Abstract

A method of loading a droplet actuator is provided. In one embodiment, the method may include, providing: a droplet actuator loaded with a filler fluid; a reservoir comprising a droplet fluid; and a fluid path extending from the reservoir into the droplet actuator; and forcing filler fluid from one locus in the droplet actuator to another locus in the droplet actuator; or out of the droplet actuator; thereby causing droplet fluid to flow through the fluid path and into the droplet actuator.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of loading a droplet actuator, the method comprising:
 (a) providing:
 (i) a droplet actuator loaded with a filler fluid; 
 (ii) a reservoir comprising a droplet fluid; and 
 (iii) a fluid path extending from the reservoir into the droplet actuator; and 
   (b) forcing filler fluid:
 (i) from one locus in the droplet actuator to another locus in the droplet actuator; or 
 (ii) out of the droplet actuator; 
   thereby causing droplet fluid to flow through the fluid path and into the droplet actuator.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein step (b) comprises forcing droplet fluid into sufficient proximity with one or more electrodes to enable one or more droplet operations to be mediated in the droplet actuator by the one or more electrodes. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein step (b) comprises forcing the filler fluid using a negative pressure source. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein step (b) comprises forcing the filler fluid using a positive pressure source. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein multiple droplet fluids are loaded from multiple reservoirs. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the droplet operation comprises a droplet dispensing operation in which a droplet is dispensed from the droplet fluid.