On-demand droplet formation at a T-junction: modelling and validation.

IF 7.3 1区 工程技术 Q1 INSTRUMENTS & INSTRUMENTATION
Hongyu Zhao, William Mills, Andrew Glidle, Peng Liang, Bei Li, Jonathan M Cooper, Huabing Yin
{"title":"On-demand droplet formation at a T-junction: modelling and validation.","authors":"Hongyu Zhao, William Mills, Andrew Glidle, Peng Liang, Bei Li, Jonathan M Cooper, Huabing Yin","doi":"10.1038/s41378-025-00950-2","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Droplet microfluidics have found increasing applications across many fields. While droplet generation at a T-junction is a common method, its reliance on trial-and-error operation imposes undesirable constraints on its performance and applicability. In this study, we demonstrate a simple method for on-demand droplet formation at a T-junction with precise temporal control over individual droplet formation. Based on experimental observations, we also develop a physical model to describe the relationships among pressures, droplet generation, device geometry, and interfacial properties. Experimental validation demonstrates excellent performance of the model in predicting the pressure thresholds for switching droplet generation on and off. To address parameter uncertainties arising from real-world complexities, we show that monitoring droplet generation frequency provides a rapid, in situ approach for optimising experimental conditions. Our findings offer valuable guidelines for the design and automation of robust droplet-on-demand microfluidic systems, which can be readily implemented in conventional laboratories for a broad range of applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":18560,"journal":{"name":"Microsystems & Nanoengineering","volume":"11 1","pages":"94"},"PeriodicalIF":7.3000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12086211/pdf/","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Microsystems & Nanoengineering","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41378-025-00950-2","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"INSTRUMENTS & INSTRUMENTATION","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0

Abstract

Droplet microfluidics have found increasing applications across many fields. While droplet generation at a T-junction is a common method, its reliance on trial-and-error operation imposes undesirable constraints on its performance and applicability. In this study, we demonstrate a simple method for on-demand droplet formation at a T-junction with precise temporal control over individual droplet formation. Based on experimental observations, we also develop a physical model to describe the relationships among pressures, droplet generation, device geometry, and interfacial properties. Experimental validation demonstrates excellent performance of the model in predicting the pressure thresholds for switching droplet generation on and off. To address parameter uncertainties arising from real-world complexities, we show that monitoring droplet generation frequency provides a rapid, in situ approach for optimising experimental conditions. Our findings offer valuable guidelines for the design and automation of robust droplet-on-demand microfluidic systems, which can be readily implemented in conventional laboratories for a broad range of applications.

按需液滴形成在t型路口:建模和验证。
液滴微流体在许多领域的应用越来越广泛。虽然在t型结处产生液滴是一种常用的方法,但它对试错操作的依赖对其性能和适用性施加了不必要的限制。在这项研究中,我们展示了一个简单的方法,按需液滴形成在t型路口与精确的时间控制单个液滴的形成。基于实验观察,我们还建立了一个物理模型来描述压力、液滴产生、器件几何形状和界面性质之间的关系。实验验证表明,该模型在预测液滴产生开关的压力阈值方面具有优异的性能。为了解决由现实世界复杂性引起的参数不确定性,我们表明,监测液滴产生频率为优化实验条件提供了一种快速的原位方法。我们的研究结果为稳健的按需微流体系统的设计和自动化提供了有价值的指导,该系统可以很容易地在传统实验室中实现广泛的应用。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
求助全文
约1分钟内获得全文 求助全文
来源期刊
Microsystems & Nanoengineering
Microsystems & Nanoengineering Materials Science-Materials Science (miscellaneous)
CiteScore
12.00
自引率
3.80%
发文量
123
审稿时长
20 weeks
期刊介绍: Microsystems & Nanoengineering is a comprehensive online journal that focuses on the field of Micro and Nano Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS and NEMS). It provides a platform for researchers to share their original research findings and review articles in this area. The journal covers a wide range of topics, from fundamental research to practical applications. Published by Springer Nature, in collaboration with the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and with the support of the State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, it is an esteemed publication in the field. As an open access journal, it offers free access to its content, allowing readers from around the world to benefit from the latest developments in MEMS and NEMS.
×
引用
GB/T 7714-2015
复制
MLA
复制
APA
复制
导出至
BibTeX EndNote RefMan NoteFirst NoteExpress
×
提示
您的信息不完整,为了账户安全,请先补充。
现在去补充
×
提示
您因"违规操作"
具体请查看互助需知
我知道了
×
提示
确定
请完成安全验证×
copy
已复制链接
快去分享给好友吧!
我知道了
右上角分享
点击右上角分享
0
联系我们:info@booksci.cn Book学术提供免费学术资源搜索服务,方便国内外学者检索中英文文献。致力于提供最便捷和优质的服务体验。 Copyright © 2023 布克学术 All rights reserved.
京ICP备2023020795号-1
ghs 京公网安备 11010802042870号
Book学术文献互助
Book学术文献互助群
群 号:604180095
Book学术官方微信