FIG. 1.

Schematic of gelation protocol in EWOD DMF. (a)–(c) Dispensing of cell seeded sodium alginate solution droplet from the reservoir, (d)–(e) formation of calcium alginate gel post, and (f)–(g) extraction of excess liquid followed by addition of culture media/chemical reagent to the gel post. Blue arrows indicate direction of drop motion by EWOD electrode actuation. (h) A cell seeded alginate gel that was obtained on chip as a result of procedures (a)–(e) where the cells can be clearly seen contained within the gel boundary while surrounding the gel is excess liquid. Scale bar in (h) corresponds to 100 μm.