; This work introduces an; open-source; hardware and software; expansion for digital microfluidics (DMF) devices that integrates; programmatic temperature and magnetic control. Our aim was to create a; versatile, modular, extension that may aid in biomedical applications; and has proven potential for use in bacteriophage research. To achieve; this, we developed an; accessible; DMF device extension called; PhageBox.; ; PhageBox incorporates temperature and magnetic control modules at the; hardware level. At the software level, it is controlled by embedded; software that includes a unique model for bio-protocol programming and a; graphical user interface for visual feedback and operation of the; device. We evaluated PhageBox’s effectiveness in biomedical applications; using functional testing and validated the temperature control using; thermography, achieving a range of +/-0.2 Celsius. The electromagnets; produced a magnetic force of 15 milliTesla, which precisely immobilized; magnetic beads.; Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential of PhageBox in bacteriophage; research through three initial proof of principle protocols: (1) a; universal framework for PCR, (2) T7 bacteriophage restriction enzyme; digestion, and (3) the concentration of PhiX174 RF genomic DNA. Overall,; our study presents an open-source solution for DMF devices to integrate; temperature regulation and magnetism, facilitating various applications; in biomedical research and bacteriophage studies.; ; (; GitHub:; https://github.com/Dreycey/PhageBox);
