Non-faradaic impedance characterization of an evaporating droplet for microfluidic and biosensing applications

Abstract

We have developed a general numerical/analytical theory of non-faradaic impedance of an evaporating droplet, and validated the model by experiments involving droplets of various analyte concentrations deposited on a surface defined by coplanar electrodes. The impedance of the droplet Z(n₀,t,f) is analyzed as a function of the concentration (n₀) of the ions in the solution, the measurement frequency (f) and the evaporation time (t). We illustrate the versatility of the model by determining the sensitivity enhancement α(t) of the droplet-based impedimetric nano-biosensor under different regimes of operation. The model should have broad applications in the characterization/optimization of droplet-based systems, especially lab-on-chip components involving digital microfluidics.