Droplet generation in microfluidics: the aim of this technology is to create fluid-fluid dispersion into channels (principally water-in-oil emulsion). During the recent years, researchers have shown a greater interest in droplet-based microfluidics. There are many applications in domains as diverse as chemistry or biotechnology [1].
Also see: A short introduction to digital microfluidics
There are two main ways to generate flows.
In the field of microfluidics, flow behavior is quite similar to electrical current behavior. Just like a current source and voltage source are the two main ways to generate an electrical current, microfluidic researchers have to choose between flow controller and pressure controller to command their flow in their experiments (For instance Darwin Microfluidics offers syringe pumps for microfluidics)
In microfluidics, the most widely used technology is the syringe pump. This method is strongly relevant for a lot of applications and is appreciated for its fast setup, simplicity and affordability. Pressure control is used for experiments requiring a short response time or a high level of stability and accuracy.
There are several ways to generate droplets.
3 categories of geometries are most commonly used [2]:
Most of the time, micro-droplet generation are performed in capillary tubes & junction or in on-chip channels. To shape droplets successfully, it is necessary to precisely control the flows of continuous phase and dispersed phase no matter the geometry chosen.
We asked a hundred of researchers from laboratories working on droplet-based microfluidics which technology they used to control their flows in their latest papers, and their opinion about it.
A significant majority of researchers uses syringe pump technology to control flows in their experiments related to droplet generation. Their choice of technology mainly depends on their opinion on syringe pumps, their habits of experimentation and equipment of their laboratory.
In the 1/4th of pressure control users, several of them have recently moved to pressure-driven control technology, or are still using the two technologies at the same time.
Lastly, some of researchers interviewed built their own homemade system using hydrostatic pressure or pressurized containers with valves.
(*)This study is based on the kind answers given by researchers in the field of droplets-based microfluidics [3-30]
Syringe pump
Pressure control
(*) can be overcome with pressure source including flow rate feedback loop
How to generate droplets in capillary tubes & junction step by step How to generate droplets in on-chip channels step by step
For more details about flow control in microfluidics, also see this document.
This review about droplet generation in microfluidics have been written by Thomas Grandry.
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