Since 1984, Cytonix has developed devices for micro-manipulation of chemical and biological fluids by controlling hydrophobic surfaces through optical and electromagnetic methods. Using electrowetting at a microscopic scale, we loaded channels and reservoirs, guided fluid flow, and moved droplets with precision. This early work was partly funded by National Science Foundation SBIR Phase I and II grants (1987 to 1989) and made public in 1990.

Our innovations included advanced coatings, dielectric sub-layers, and unique electrode designs such as saw-tooth, interleaved, and micro-to-micro configurations for smooth, step-wise droplet motion. We explored DC and RF control voltages as well as digital droplet manipulation for highly precise fluid handling.

Today, Cytonix continues to lead in electrowetting materials and methods, opto-electric wetting, and high-density addressable fluidic arrays, building on decades of expertise in hydrophobic, oleophobic, and superhydrophobic technologies.