Devices and methods for fluid actuation

A digital microfluidic and analyte detection device, comprising:

• a first substrate and a second substrate aligned generally parallel to each other with a gap defined therebetween in side view;
• and
• at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate having a plurality of reservoir electrodes defining a reservoir having an outlet and a first end opposite the outlet, the reservoir in fluidic communication with the gap, the plurality of electrodes comprising:
• a first reservoir electrode proximate the first end,
• a reservoir outlet electrode proximate the outlet, and
• at least one intermediate reservoir electrode disposed between the first reservoir electrode and the reservoir outlet electrode;
• at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate having at least one device electrode proximate the outlet, the at least one device electrode and at least one of the plurality of reservoir electrodes configured to generate electrical actuation forces to dispense at least one droplet from the reservoir through the outlet to the at least one device electrode;
• wherein the first reservoir electrode, the reservoir outlet electrode, and the at least one intermediate reservoir electrode each has an electrode surface area in plan view greater than or equal to an electrode surface area of each of the at least one device electrodes.