Sequential storage and release of microdroplets.
Publication Date
2021-09-29Journal Title
Microsystems & nanoengineering
ISSN
2096-1030
Volume
7
Language
eng
Type
Article
This Version
VoR
Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
Toprakcioglu, Z., & Knowles, T. P. J. (2021). Sequential storage and release of microdroplets.. Microsystems & nanoengineering, 7 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41378-021-00303-9
Abstract
Droplet microfluidic methods have opened up the possibility of studying a plethora of phenomena ranging from biological to physical or chemical processes at ultra low volumes and high throughput. A key component of such approaches is the ability to trap droplets for observation, and many device architectures for achieving this objective have been developed. A challenge with such approaches is, however, recovering the droplets following their confinement for applications involving further analysis. Here, we present a device capable of generating, confining and releasing microdroplets in a sequential manner. Through a combination of experimental and computational simulations, we shed light on the key features required for successful droplet storage and retrieval. Moreover, we explore the effect of the flow rate of the continuous phase on droplet release, determining that a critical rate is needed to ensure complete droplet deformation through constrictions holding the droplets in place prior to release. Finally, we find that once released, droplets can be retrieved and collected off chip. The ability to generate, store and sequentially release droplets renders such a device particularly promising for future applications where reactions may not only be monitored on-chip, but droplets can also be retrieved for further analysis, facilitating new exploratory avenues in the fields of analytical chemistry and biology.
Keywords
Engineering, Chemistry
Sponsorship
European Research Council (337969)
Identifiers
PMC8481565, 34631144
External DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41378-021-00303-9
This record's URL: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/330617
Statistics
Total file downloads (since January 2020). For more information on metrics see the
IRUS guide.
Recommended or similar items
The current recommendation prototype on the Apollo Repository will be turned off on 03 February 2023. Although the pilot has been fruitful for both parties, the service provider IKVA is focusing on horizon scanning products and so the recommender service can no longer be supported. We recognise the importance of recommender services in supporting research discovery and are evaluating offerings from other service providers. If you would like to offer feedback on this decision please contact us on: support@repository.cam.ac.uk