Sequential storage and release of microdroplets.


Type
Article
Change log
Authors
Toprakcioglu, Zenon 
Knowles, Tuomas P J  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7879-0140
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.

Description
Keywords
Engineering, Chemistry
Journal Title
Microsystems & nanoengineering
Conference Name
Journal ISSN
2096-1030
Volume Title
7
Publisher
Sponsorship
European Research Council (337969)