Hybrid digital and channel microfluidic devices and methods of use thereof

A hybrid microfluidic device comprising:

• a first substrate comprising first and second opposing surfaces, wherein said first surface has a digital microfluidic array formed thereon;
• said first substrate having a hydrophilic access port formed therein, said hydrophilic access port extending from said first surface to said second surface, wherein said hydrophilic access port is positioned adjacent to an array element of said digital microfluidic array to promote the flow of a droplet from said array element through said hydrophilic access port;
• a second substrate comprising a third surface, wherein an elongate microfluidic channel is formed within said second substrate within a microfluidic plane that is parallel to said third surface;
• wherein said third surface is attached to said second surface such that said access port is in fluid communication with said elongate microfluidic channel through an opening in said third surface, and such said microfluidic plane is parallel to said digital microfluidic array;
• wherein said digital microfluidic array is capable of transporting a droplet to said array element for contacting the droplet with said hydrophilic access port;
• and
• wherein said elongate microfluidic channel comprises a cross-sectional size that is sufficiently small to promote injection of the droplet from the hydrophilic access port into the elongate microfluidic channel via capillary forces.