Patent ID: 8367370

Claim:
A method of performing droplet-based cell culture, comprising the steps of: a) providing a digital microfluidic device comprising: an array of actuating electrodes formed on a substrate surface; and a coating formed on the substrate surface, the coating providing a working surface; wherein said actuating electrodes are connectable to an actuating electrode controller for exciting or de-exciting the actuating electrodes for translating liquid droplets over the working surface; b) providing a cell-containing droplet at a location on the working surface, the cell-containing droplet containing cells and cell culture medium; c) incubating the digital microfluidic device in a controlled environment to culture the cells; d) actuating electrodes of the array to dispense a droplet containing cell culture media to the cell-containing droplet; and e) incubating the digital microfluidic device in the controlled environment to further culture the cells.