Patent attributes
Droplet actuators that include molecular barrier coatings are provided. The molecular barrier coating may be provided atop the conductive layer of the top substrate, atop the droplet operations electrodes of the bottom substrate, or both. Where the conductive layer of the top substrate and/or the droplet operations electrodes of the bottom substrate are formed of an electrically conductive organic polymer, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), the molecular barrier coating helps to immobilize the contents of the PEDOT:PSS layer. Further, the molecular barrier coating reduces, preferably entirely eliminates, moisture from seeping into the electrically conducting organic polymer. Methods of conducting droplet operations using the disclosed droplet actuators are also provided.
