Automated digital microfluidic sample preparation for next-generation DNA sequencing.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is a promising tool for identifying and characterizing unknown pathogens, but its usefulness in time-critical biodefense and public health applications is currently limited by the lack of fast, efficient, and reliable automated DNA sample preparation methods. To address this limitation, we are developing a digital microfluidic (DMF) platform to function as a fluid distribution hub, enabling the integration of multiple subsystem modules into an automated NGS library sample preparation system. A novel capillary interface enables highly repeatable transfer of liquid between the DMF device and the external fluidic modules, allowing both continuous-flow and droplet-based sample manipulations to be performed in one integrated system.