Field-programmable lab-on-a-chip based on microelectrode array architecture

The system relates to filed-programmable lab-on-chip (FPLOC) microfluidic operations, fabrications, and programming based on Microelectrode Array Architecture are disclosed herein. The FPLOC device by employing the microelectrode array architecture may include the following: (a) a bottom plate comprising an array of multiple microelectrodes disposed on a top surface of a substrate covered by a dielectric layer; wherein each of the microelectrode is coupled to at least one grounding elements of a grounding mechanism, wherein a hydrophobic layer is disposed on the top of the dielectric layer and the grounding elements to make hydrophobic surfaces with the droplets; (b) a field programmability mechanism for programming a group of configured-electrodes to generate microfluidic components and layouts with selected shapes and sizes; and, (c) a FPLOC functional block, comprising: (i) I/O ports; (ii) a sample preparation unit; (iii) a droplet manipulation unit; (iv) a detection unit; and (iv) a system control unit.