US Patent 7615369 Reconfigurable protein patterning using electrowetting microelectrodes

A protein patterning electrode device consisting of capacitor microelectrode arrays coated with a protein non-adherent layer is provided. Operation of the electrode is based on a phenomenon called “electrowetting,” where surface wettability can dynamically be controlled by varying the voltage across the device electrodes. When an electric field is applied across the electrode layers, the surface accumulates charge and becomes hydrophilic, binding the proteins to the surface via ionic bonding. Electrically controlling the amount of the surface charge permits controlled protein surface affinity. The device provides a means for reconfigurable protein patterning.