Mode Transition of Droplet Formation in a Semi-3D Flow-Focusing Microfluidic Droplet System.

ABSTRACT: Uniform droplets have significant potential in many biological applications due to their higher surface area to volume ratio. This paper proposed a semi-three-dimensional (sime-3D) flow-focusing microfluidic system, which was fabricated using the multi-layer soft lithography method. Based on the semi-3D structure, we focus on droplets formation modes and droplet uniformity at different bulk concentration of surfactant. The relationships between droplets uniformity, droplets breakup processes (jetting mode, dripping mode and tip-streaming mode) and surfactant concentration was investigated. It was found that three droplet generation modes occur through adjusting the pressure ratio in two inlet channels and the concentration of surfactant in continuous phase liquid. The jetting mode would tr

SUBMITTER: Wu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6187513 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature