Digital Microfluidic Droplet Path Planning Based on Improved Genetic Algorithm

作     者：Luo, Zhijie Long, Wufa Chen, Rui Wu, Jianhao Huang, Aiqing Zheng, Jianhua 

作者机构：Zhongkai Univ Agr & Engn Coll Informat Sci & Technol Guangzhou 510225 Peoples R China Zhongkai Univ Agr & Engn Smart Agr Engn Technol Res Ctr Guangzhou 510225 Peoples R China Zhongkai Univ Agr & Engn Guangzhou Key Lab Agr Prod Qual & Safety Traceabil Guangzhou 510225 Peoples R China 

出 版 物：《INFORMATION》 (Information)

年 卷 期：2025年第16卷第2期

页      面：103-103页

核心收录：

基　　金：the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province of China [2021A1515011605] Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province of China Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou of China [2017KQNCX097] Foundation for Distinguished Young Talents in Higher Education of Guangdong of China 

主　　题：digital microfluidic system heuristic-elite improved genetic algorithms path planning droplets collision avoidance strategy chip testing 

摘      要：In practical applications of droplet actuation using digital microfluidic (DMF) systems based on electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD), various electrode failures can still arise due to diverse operational conditions. To improve droplet transport efficiency, this study proposes a heuristic-elite genetic algorithm (HEGA) for droplet path planning. We introduce a heuristic method and a bidirectional elite fragment recombination method to address the challenge of poor initialization quality in genetic algorithms, particularly in complex environments. These approaches aim to enhance the global search capability and accelerate the algorithm s convergence. Simulations were performed using MATLAB, and the results indicate that compared to the basic ant colony algorithm, the proposed method reduces the average number of turning points by approximately 17.23% and the average search time by about 92.60%. In multi-droplet transport applications, the algorithm generates optimal paths for test droplets while maintaining fast convergence. Additionally, it effectively prevents droplets from accidentally contacting or merging in non-synthesis areas, ensuring improved testing outcomes for the chip.