The microfluidic post-array device: high throughput production of single emulsion drops
Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: We present a microfluidic device that enables high throughput production of relatively monodisperse emulsion drops while controlling the average size. The device consists of a two-dimensional array of regularly-spaced posts. Large drops of a highly polydisperse crude emulsion are input into the device and are successively split by the posts, ultimately yielding a finer emulsion consisting of smaller, and much more monodisperse drops. The size distribution of the resultant emulsion depends only weakly on the viscosities of the input fluids and allows fluids of very high viscosities to be used. The average size and polydispersity of the drops depend strongly on the device geometry enabling both control and optimization. We use this device to produce drops of a highly viscous monomer solution and subsequently solidify them into polymeric microparticles. The production rate of these devices is similar to that achieved by membrane emulsification techniques, yet the control over the drop size is superior; thus these post-array microfluidic devices are potentially useful for industrial applications.
Source: Lab on a Chip
DOI: 10.1039/c3lc51213d
Authors: E. Amstad, S. S. Datta, D. A. Weitz
Institution: Harvard University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1979528126