A Microfluidic Platform for Five‐Order‐of‐Magnitude Concentration Control With Stable Droplet Size

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Authors: Sung‐Jin Kim
Cited by: 0
References: 35

Abstract

Generating monodisperse droplets with tunable concentrations is essential for a wide range of microfluidic applications. We present a platform that overcomes the trade-off between concentration range and droplet size stability using a passive, water-head-driven system with asymmetric fluidic resistances. This design effectively decouples concentration tuning from droplet generation within the tested regime by stabilizing the junction pressure to ensure a steady total aqueous flow rate. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that this results in monodisperse droplets of nearly constant size across the programmed concentration range. Concurrently, by adjusting a single passive pressure inlet, the system achieves continuous control of the concentration ratio over a five-order-of-magnitude dynamic range. This robust, simple method eliminates complex pumps, offering a powerful tool for high-throughput screening and combinatorial studies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation Microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis Applications Electrowetting and Microfluidic Technologies

Publication details

Journal / source
Electrophoresis
Volume
47
Issue
5
Pages
414–419
Publication date
3 March 2026
Language
EN