Droplet based microfluidics
We describe in details what is digital microfluidics in the review about microfluidic droplets, and how to achieve it with a pressure controller in this Elveflow® application note (Digital microfluidics using pressure driven flow).. It is possible to make droplets in a microfluidic capillary with commercial tools, especially chromatography tools. Here we will focus on how to do it. One can easily make droplets using a cross or a T junction (Fig.1).
These tools are respectively the macroscopic equivalents of flow focusing & cross flowing microfluidic methods.
The main difference is in the required setup time. The main drawback is the manufacturing dependence. It means that you cannot choose precisely your channel dimensions, you have to choose between the proposed dimensions (from 100 µm to 1 mm). There is a main setup protocol.
This protocol describes how to make fluid-fluid dispersion with:A/ Flow focusing methodB/ Cross flowing method
The general protocol in a microfluidic capillary is the same; you bring two phases in a junction. One phase will be the continuous phase and the other one the dispersed phase (droplets) (Fig.2).
Feel free to contact us at: contact@elveflow.com
Email*
Message Hi Elveflow team, I need more information about Newsletter subscription
Microfluidic droplets generation at a T junction
Microfluidic droplets moving into a capillary
There are some details however, which differentiate the two methods.
1. The main channel is the channel where the droplets will flow
2. It is very important to connect the continuous phase perpendicularly to the main channel
3. The dispersed phase has to be connected to the channel in the continuity of the main channel
4. Control droplets sizes with input pressure driven flow
In conclusion, by connecting submillimeter tubes to submillimeter T and cross junctions, it is possible to generate droplets in a microfluidic capillary like in microfluidic devices. It is an easy method to manage the production of droplets. There is no simple alternative to the co-flowing method. But the two main methods used in microfluidics are easily done with chromatographic tools. As described in another Elveflow® application note (Digital microfluidics using pressure driven flow), droplets size are pre-determined by the characteristic dimensions of the tubes and junctions. There are more flexibilities on droplets size with flow focusing method (cross junction). Refer to [1,2] where the control of sizes is well described.
For more reviews about microfluidics, please have a look at: «Microfluidics reviews». The photos in this article come from the Elveflow® data bank, Wikipedia or elsewhere if precised. Article written by F. Bertholle, G. Velvé Casquillas, A. Hassan-Zahraee and T. Houssin.
Email* I hereby agree than Elveflow uses my personal data
Do you want tips on how to best set up your microfluidic experiment? Do you need inspiration or a different angle to take on your specific problem? Well, we probably have an application note just for you, feel free to check them out!
This review gathers a collection of information regarding liposome and lipid nanoparticle from their use and applications to how to generate them by bulk
Droplets formed within microfluidic channels often serve as microreactors containing different chemical or biological compounds, allowing massive numbers of independent reactions to be performed rapidly using a minimal amount of total reagent.
Brief overview of the numerous advantages of confined particles like bubbles, droplets and fibers and how confinement can be used for various applications
The review summarizes the various droplet production methods available from microfluidics to the more commun batch method.
This review focuses on sodium alginate and its applications in microfluidics
Making droplets in a capillary or a microfluidic device is often met with two problems
Microfluidic technologies offer an efficient means of producing highly uniform droplets and bubbles, and also a convenient mechanism for manipulating their downstream motion.
Digital microfluidics is an alternative technology for microfluidic systems based on the design, composition and manipulation of discrete droplets and/or bubbles.
Drop-Seq is a strategy based on the use of microfluidics for quickly profiling thousands of individual cells simultaneously by encapsulating them in tiny droplets for parallel analysis. This review presents the techniques and applications of Drop-Seq.
Droplet generation in microfluidic, the aim of this technology is to create fluid-fluid dispersion into channels
Get a quote
Name*
Message
Newsletter subscription
We will answer within 24 hours
By filling in your info you accept that we use your data.
Collaborations
Need customer support?
Serial Number of your product
Support Type AdviceHardware SupportSoftware Support
Subject*
I hereby agree that Elveflow uses my personal data Newsletter subscription
How can we help you?
Message I hereby agree that Elveflow uses my personal data Newsletter subscription