1
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Luo G, Zhang Y, Wang S, Lv X, Yang T, Wang J. Establishment and Validation of an Integrated Microfluidic Step Emulsification Chip Supporting Droplet Digital Nucleic Acid Analysis. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:888. [PMID: 37754123 PMCID: PMC10527055 DOI: 10.3390/bios13090888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Uniform and stable droplet generation is critical for accurate and efficient digital nucleic acid analysis (dNAA). In this study, an integrated microfluidic step emulsification device with wide-range droplet generation capability, small device dimensions, convenient fabrication strategy, low contamination and high robustness was developed. A tree-shaped droplet generation nozzle distribution design was proposed to increase the uniformity of droplet generation by equating flow rates, and the flow field in the design was numerically simulated. Theoretical analysis and comparative experiments on droplet size were performed regarding the influences of nozzle dimensions and surface properties. With incubation and hydrophobic reagent treatment, droplets as small as 73.1 μm were generated with multiplex nozzles of 18 μm (h) × 80 μm (w). The droplets were then collected into a standard PCR tube and an on-chip monolayer droplet collection chamber, without manual transfer and sample contamination. The oil-to-sample volume ratio in the PCR tube was recorded during collection. In the end, the droplets generated and collected using the microfluidic device proved to be stable and uniform for nucleic acid amplification and detection. This study provides reliable characteristic information for the design and fabrication of a micro-droplet generation device, and represents a promising approach for the realization of a three-in-one dNAA device under a step emulsification method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangyin Luo
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (G.L.); (S.W.)
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | | | - Shun Wang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (G.L.); (S.W.)
| | - Xinbei Lv
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Base, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao 266000, China;
| | - Tianhang Yang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (G.L.); (S.W.)
| | - Jinxian Wang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China; (G.L.); (S.W.)
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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2
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Lai YK, Kao YT, Hess JF, Calabrese S, von Stetten F, Paust N. Interfacing centrifugal microfluidics with linear-oriented 8-tube strips and multichannel pipettes for increased throughput of digital assays. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2623-2632. [PMID: 37158238 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00339f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We present a centrifugal microfluidic cartridge for the eight-fold parallel generation of monodisperse water-in-oil droplets using standard laboratory equipment. The key element is interfacing centrifugal microfluidics with its design based on polar coordinates to the linear structures of standard high-throughput laboratory automation. Centrifugal step emulsification is used to simultaneously generate droplets from eight samples directly into standard 200 μl PCR 8-tube strips. To ensure minimal manual liquid handling, the design of the inlets allows the user to load the samples and the oil via a standard multichannel pipette. Simulation-based design of the cartridge ensures that the performance is consistent in each droplet generation unit despite the varying radial positions that originate from the interface to the linear oriented PCR 8-tube strip and from the integration of linear oriented inlet holes for the multichannel pipettes. Within 10 minutes, sample volumes of 50 μl per droplet generation unit are emulsified at a fixed rotation speed of 960 rpm into 1.47 × 105 monodisperse droplets with a mean diameter of 86 μm. The overall coefficient of variation (CV) of the droplet diameter was below 4%. Feasibility is demonstrated by an exemplary digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay which showed high linearity (R2 ≥ 0.999) across all of the eight tubes of the strip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kai Lai
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yu-Ting Kao
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jacob Friedrich Hess
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Calabrese
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Felix von Stetten
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nils Paust
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
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3
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Luo Y, Cao Z, Liu Y, Zhang R, Yang S, Wang N, Shi Q, Li J, Dong S, Fan C, Zhao J. The emerging landscape of microfluidic applications in DNA data storage. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1981-2004. [PMID: 36946437 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00972b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA has been considered a promising alternative to the current solid-state devices for digital information storage. The past decade has witnessed tremendous progress in the field of DNA data storage contributed by researchers from various disciplines. However, the current development status of DNA storage is still far from practical use, mainly due to its high material cost and time consumption for data reading/writing, as well as the lack of a comprehensive, automated, and integrated system. Microfluidics, being capable of handling and processing micro-scale fluid samples in a massively paralleled and highly integrated manner, has gradually been recognized as a promising candidate for addressing the aforementioned issues. In this review, we provide a discussion on recent efforts of applying microfluidics to advance the development of DNA data storage. Moreover, to showcase the tremendous potential that microfluidics can contribute to this field, we will further highlight the recent advancements of applying microfluidics to the key functional modules within the DNA data storage workflow. Finally, we share our perspectives on future directions for how to continue the infusion of microfluidics with DNA data storage and how to advance toward a truly integrated system and reach real-life applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhen Cao
- College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
- International Joint Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China
| | - Yifan Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Shijia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingyuan Shi
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Jie Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Shurong Dong
- College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
- International Joint Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jianlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P.R. China
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4
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Fabrication of planar monolayer microreactor array for visual statistical analysis and droplet-based digital quantitative analysis in situ. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:627-637. [PMID: 36504285 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04451-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Planar monolayer microreactor arrays (PMMRAs) make droplet-based numerical measurements and statistical analysis cheap and easy. However, PMMRAs are typically produced in complex microfluidic devices and, moreover, still requires stringent control to reduce droplet loss during heating. In this paper, a simple, reliable, and flexible method for fabricating PMMRAs in a 96-well plate is described in detail by using simple materials and low-cost equipment. The partitioned droplets spontaneously assemble into PMMRAs in the plates, and this distribution is maintained even after incubation. This is advantageous for in situ analysis based on an individual droplet in droplet digital loop-mediated isothermal amplification (ddLAMP) and does not require the transfer of positive droplets. Precise and reproducible quantification of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) extracts was executed in these PMMRAs to verify its availability. Our results demonstrate that the proposed approach not only provides a flexible and controllable execution scheme for droplet-based nucleic acid quantification in resource-limited laboratories but also opens new perspectives for numerous analytical and biochemical applications using droplets as versatile plastic microreactors.
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Microfluidic preparation of monodisperse hollow polyacrylonitrile microspheres for ICF. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.127955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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6
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Zhan W, Liu Z, Jiang S, Zhu C, Ma Y, Fu T. Comparison of formation of bubbles and droplets in step-emulsification microfluidic devices. J IND ENG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2021.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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7
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Low Cost, Easily-Assembled Centrifugal Buoyancy-Based Emulsification and Digital PCR. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020171. [PMID: 35208296 PMCID: PMC8924881 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic-based droplet generation approaches require the design of microfluidic chips and a precise lithography process, which require skilled technicians and a long manufacturing time. Here we developed a centrifugal buoyancy-based emulsification (CBbE) method for producing droplets with high efficiency and minimal fabrication time. Our approach is to fabricate a droplet generation module that can be easily assembled using syringe needles and PCR tubes. With this module and a common centrifuge, high-throughput droplet generation with controllable droplet size could be realized in a few minutes. Experiments showed that the droplet diameter depended mainly on centrifugal speed, and droplets with controllable diameter from 206 to 158 μm could be generated under a centrifugal acceleration range from 14 to 171.9 g. Excellent droplet uniformity was achieved (CV < 3%) when centrifugal acceleration was greater than 108 g. We performed digital PCR tests through the CBbE approach and demonstrated that this cost-effective method not only eliminates the usage of complex microfluidic devices and control systems but also greatly suppresses the loss of materials and cross-contamination. CBbE-enabled droplet generation combines both easiness and robustness, and breaks the technical challenges by using conventional lab equipment and supplies.
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8
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Lian J, Wu J, Wu S, Yu W, Wang P, Liu L, Zuo Q. Investigation of viscous effects on droplet generation in a co-flowing step emulsification device. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.127468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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9
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Ge X, Rubinstein BY, He Y, Bruce FNO, Li L, Leshansky AM, Li Z. Double emulsions with ultrathin shell by microfluidic step-emulsification. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1613-1622. [PMID: 33683225 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01044h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Double emulsions with ultrathin shells are important in some biomedical applications, such as controlled drug release. However, the existing production techniques require two or more manipulation steps, or more complicated channel geometry, to form thin-shell double emulsions. This work presents a novel microfluidic tri-phasic step-emulsification device, with an easily fabricated double-layer PDMS channel, for production of oil-in-oil-in-water and water-in-water-in-oil double emulsions in a single step. The shell thickness is controlled by the flow rates and can reach 1.4% of the μm-size droplet diameter. Four distinct emulsification regimes are observed depending on the experimental conditions. A theoretical model for the tri-phasic step-emulsification is proposed to predict the boundaries separating the four regimes of emulsification in plane of two dimensionless capillary numbers, Ca. The theory yields two coupled nonlinear differential equations that can be solved numerically to find the approximate shape of the free interfaces in the shallow (Hele-Shaw) microfluidic channel. This approximation is then used as the initial guess for the more accurate finite element method solution, showing very good agreement with the experimental findings. This study demonstrates the feasibility of co-flow step-emulsification as a promising method to production of double (and multiple) emulsions and micro-capsules with ultrathin shells of controllable thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjin Ge
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, ZhongGuanCunNan Street #5, 100081, Beijing, China.
| | | | - Yifeng He
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, ZhongGuanCunNan Street #5, 100081, Beijing, China.
| | - Frederick N O Bruce
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, ZhongGuanCunNan Street #5, 100081, Beijing, China.
| | - Liaonan Li
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, ZhongGuanCunNan Street #5, 100081, Beijing, China.
| | - Alexander M Leshansky
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel.
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, ZhongGuanCunNan Street #5, 100081, Beijing, China.
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10
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Zhao S, Zhang Z, Hu F, Wu J, Peng N. Massive droplet generation for digital PCR via a smart step emulsification chip integrated in a reaction tube. Analyst 2021; 146:1559-1568. [PMID: 33533355 DOI: 10.1039/d0an01841d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Step emulsification (SE) devices coupled with parallel generation nozzles are widely used in the production of large-scale monodisperse droplets, especially for droplet-based digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) analysis. Although current ddPCR systems based on the SE method can provide a fully enclosed ddPCR scheme, high demands on chip fabrication and system control will increase testing costs and reduce its flexibility in ddPCR analysis. In this study, a compact SE device, integrating a smart SE chip into a reaction tube, was developed to prepare large-scale water-in-fluorinated-oil droplets for ddPCR analysis. The SE chip contained dozens of droplet-generation nozzles. By adjusting the nozzle height of the SE chip, monodisperse droplets in a picolitre to nanolitre vloume could be prepared at a production rate of tens to hundreds of microlitres per minute. Subsequently, we utilized such an integrated SE device to prepare monodisperse droplets for ddPCR experiments. The volume of PCR reagent and the number of droplets could be flexibly adjusted according to the requirements of the ddPCR analysis. The quantitative results showed that emulsions prepared by the SE device could achieve ddPCR detection with high accuracy, good repeatability, and an adaptive dynamic range, which also demonstrated the robustness and reliability of such devices in the droplet preparation. Thus, this compact SE device provides an inexpensive, flexible, and simplified droplet preparation method for digital PCR quantitative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China.
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11
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Schulz M, Ruediger J, Landmann E, Bakheit M, Frischmann S, Rassler D, Homann AR, von Stetten F, Zengerle R, Paust N. High Dynamic Range Digital Assay Enabled by Dual-Volume Centrifugal Step Emulsification. Anal Chem 2021; 93:2854-2860. [PMID: 33481582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We implement dual-volume centrifugal step emulsification on a single chip to extend the dynamic range of digital assays. Compared to published single-volume approaches, the range between the lower detection limit (LDL) and the upper limit of quantification (ULQ) increases by two orders of magnitude. In comparison to existing multivolume approaches, the dual-volume centrifugal step emulsification requires neither complex manufacturing nor specialized equipment. Sample metering into two subvolumes, droplet generation, and alignment of the droplets in two separate monolayers are performed automatically by microfluidic design. Digital quantification is demonstrated by exemplary droplet digital loop-mediated isothermal amplification (ddLAMP). Within 5 min, the reaction mix is split into subvolumes of 10.5 and 2.5 μL, and 2,5k and 176k droplets are generated with diameters of 31.6 ± 1.4 and 213.9 ± 7.5 μm, respectively. After 30 min of incubation, quantification over 5 log steps is demonstrated with a linearity of R2 ≥ 0.992.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schulz
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Ruediger
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Emelie Landmann
- Mast Diagnostica GmbH, Feldstraße 20, 23858 Reinfeld, Germany
| | | | | | - Daniela Rassler
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ana R Homann
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix von Stetten
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Zengerle
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nils Paust
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
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12
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Becherer L, Hess JF, Frischmann S, Bakheit M, Nitschko H, Stinco S, Zitz F, Hofer H, Porro G, Hausladen F, Stock K, Drossart D, Wurm H, Kuhn H, Huber D, Hutzenlaub T, Paust N, Keller M, Strohmeier O, Wadle S, Borst N, Zengerle R, von Stetten F. Point-of-Care System for HTLV-1 Proviral Load Quantification by Digital Mediator Displacement LAMP. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12020159. [PMID: 33562822 PMCID: PMC7915047 DOI: 10.3390/mi12020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a universal point-of-care system for fully automated quantification of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) proviral load, including genomic RNA, based on digital reverse RNA transcription and c-DNA amplification by MD LAMP (mediator displacement loop-mediated isothermal amplification). A disposable microfluidic LabDisk with pre-stored reagents performs automated nucleic acid extraction, reaction setup, emulsification, reverse transcription, digital DNA amplification, and quantitative fluorogenic endpoint detection with universal reporter molecules. Automated nucleic acid extraction from a suspension of HTLV-1-infected CD4+ T-lymphocytes (MT-2 cells) yielded 8 ± 7 viral nucleic acid copies per MT-2 cell, very similar to the manual reference extraction (7 ± 2 nucleic acid copies). Fully automated sample processing from whole blood spiked with MT-2 cells showed a comparable result of 7 ± 3 copies per MT-2 cell after a run time of two hours and 10 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Becherer
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jacob Friedrich Hess
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Hans Nitschko
- Department of Virology, Pettenkoferstraße 9a, Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Silvina Stinco
- Department of Virology, Pettenkoferstraße 9a, Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Friedrich Zitz
- E.L.T. Kunststofftechnik & Werkzeugbau GmbH, Weidenweg 339, 8240 Friedberg, Austria
| | - Hannes Hofer
- E.L.T. Kunststofftechnik & Werkzeugbau GmbH, Weidenweg 339, 8240 Friedberg, Austria
| | - Giampiero Porro
- Datamed srl, Via Achille Grandi 4/6, 20068 Peschiera Borromeo MI, Italy
| | - Florian Hausladen
- Institut für Lasertechnologien in der Medizin und Meßtechnik, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstraße 12, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Karl Stock
- Institut für Lasertechnologien in der Medizin und Meßtechnik, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstraße 12, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Dominik Drossart
- Institut für Lasertechnologien in der Medizin und Meßtechnik, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstraße 12, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Holger Wurm
- Institut für Lasertechnologien in der Medizin und Meßtechnik, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstraße 12, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Hanna Kuhn
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- NB Technologies GmbH, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dominik Huber
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Hutzenlaub
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nils Paust
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mark Keller
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Spindiag GmbH, Engesserstraße 4a, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Strohmeier
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Spindiag GmbH, Engesserstraße 4a, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Wadle
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Volpi AG, Wiesenstrasse 33, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Borst
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Zengerle
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix von Stetten
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK-Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
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13
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Liu Z, Duan C, Jiang S, Zhu C, Ma Y, Fu T. Microfluidic step emulsification techniques based on spontaneous transformation mechanism: A review. J IND ENG CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2020.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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14
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Clime L, Malic L, Daoud J, Lukic L, Geissler M, Veres T. Buoyancy-driven step emulsification on pneumatic centrifugal microfluidic platforms. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:3091-3095. [PMID: 32588014 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00333f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We present here a new method for controlling the droplet size in step emulsification processes on a centrifugal microfluidic platform, which, in addition to the centrifugal force, uses pneumatic actuation for fluid displacement. We highlight the importance of the interplay between buoyancy effects and the flow rate at the step junction, and provide a simple analytical model relating these two quantities to the size of the droplets. Numerical models as well as experiments with water-in-oil emulsions are performed in support of the proposed model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liviu Clime
- Life Sciences Division, National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne Boulevard, Boucherville, QC J4B 6Y4, Canada.
| | - Lidija Malic
- Life Sciences Division, National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne Boulevard, Boucherville, QC J4B 6Y4, Canada.
| | - Jamal Daoud
- Galenvs Sciences, Inc., 24 Gabrielle-Roy Street, Montreal, QC H3E 1M3, Canada
| | - Luke Lukic
- Life Sciences Division, National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne Boulevard, Boucherville, QC J4B 6Y4, Canada.
| | - Matthias Geissler
- Life Sciences Division, National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne Boulevard, Boucherville, QC J4B 6Y4, Canada.
| | - Teodor Veres
- Life Sciences Division, National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne Boulevard, Boucherville, QC J4B 6Y4, Canada.
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Sattari A, Hanafizadeh P, Hoorfar M. Multiphase flow in microfluidics: From droplets and bubbles to the encapsulated structures. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 282:102208. [PMID: 32721624 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2020.102208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies have a unique ability to control more precisely and effectively on two-phase flow systems in comparison with macro systems. Controlling the size of the droplets and bubbles has led to an ever-increasing expansion of this technology in two-phase systems. Liquid-liquid and gas-liquid two-phase flows because of their numerous applications in different branches such as reactions, synthesis, emulsions, cosmetic, food, drug delivery, etc. have been the most critical two-phase flows in microfluidic systems. This review highlights recent progress in two-phase flows in microfluidic devices. The fundamentals of two-phase flows, including some essential dimensionless numbers, governing equations, and some most well-known numerical methods are firstly introduced, followed by a review of standard methods for producing segmented flows such as emulsions in microfluidic systems. Then various encapsulated structures, a common two-phase flow structure in microfluidic devices, and different methods of their production are reviewed. Finally, applications of two-phase microfluidic flows in drug-delivery, biotechnology, mixing, and microreactors are briefly discussed.
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16
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Schulz M, Calabrese S, Hausladen F, Wurm H, Drossart D, Stock K, Sobieraj AM, Eichenseher F, Loessner MJ, Schmelcher M, Gerhardts A, Goetz U, Handel M, Serr A, Haecker G, Li J, Specht M, Koch P, Meyer M, Tepper P, Rother R, Jehle M, Wadle S, Zengerle R, von Stetten F, Paust N, Borst N. Point-of-care testing system for digital single cell detection of MRSA directly from nasal swabs. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:2549-2561. [PMID: 32568322 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00294a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We present an automated point-of-care testing (POCT) system for rapid detection of species- and resistance markers in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at the level of single cells, directly from nasal swab samples. Our novel system allows clear differentiation between MRSA, methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR-CoNS), which is not the case for currently used real-time quantitative PCR based systems. On top, the novel approach outcompetes the culture-based methods in terms of its short time-to-result (1 h vs. up to 60 h) and reduces manual labor. The walk-away test is fully automated on the centrifugal microfluidic LabDisk platform. The LabDisk cartridge comprises the unit operations swab-uptake, reagent pre-storage, distribution of the sample into 20 000 droplets, specific enzymatic lysis of Staphylococcus spp. and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) of species (vicK) - and resistance (mecA) -markers. LabDisk actuation, incubation and multi-channel fluorescence detection is demonstrated with a clinical isolate and spiked nasal swab samples down to a limit of detection (LOD) of 3 ± 0.3 CFU μl-1 for MRSA. The novel approach of the digital single cell detection is suggested to improve hospital admission screening, timely decision making, and goal-oriented antibiotic therapy. The implementation of a higher degree of multiplexing is required to translate the results into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schulz
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
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17
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Azimi-Boulali J, Madadelahi M, Madou MJ, Martinez-Chapa SO. Droplet and Particle Generation on Centrifugal Microfluidic Platforms: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11060603. [PMID: 32580516 PMCID: PMC7344714 DOI: 10.3390/mi11060603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The use of multiphase flows in microfluidics to carry dispersed phase material (droplets, particles, bubbles, or fibers) has many applications. In this review paper, we focus on such flows on centrifugal microfluidic platforms and present different methods of dispersed phase material generation. These methods are classified into three specific categories, i.e., step emulsification, crossflow, and dispenser nozzle. Previous works on these topics are discussed and related parameters and specifications, including the size, material, production rate, and rotational speed are explicitly mentioned. In addition, the associated theories and important dimensionless numbers are presented. Finally, we discuss the commercialization of these devices and show a comparison to unveil the pros and cons of the different methods so that researchers can select the centrifugal droplet/particle generation method which better suits their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javid Azimi-Boulali
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico;
| | - Masoud Madadelahi
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.O.M.-C.)
| | - Marc J. Madou
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - Sergio O. Martinez-Chapa
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.O.M.-C.)
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18
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Schulz M, Probst S, Calabrese S, R. Homann A, Borst N, Weiss M, von Stetten F, Zengerle R, Paust N. Versatile Tool for Droplet Generation in Standard Reaction Tubes by Centrifugal Step Emulsification. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25081914. [PMID: 32326221 PMCID: PMC7221521 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25081914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a versatile tool for the generation of monodisperse water-in-fluorinated-oil droplets in standard reaction tubes by centrifugal step emulsification. The microfluidic cartridge is designed as an insert into a standard 2 mL reaction tube and can be processed in standard laboratory centrifuges. It allows for droplet generation and subsequent transfer for any downstream analysis or further use, does not need any specialized device, and manufacturing is simple because it consists of two parts only: A structured substrate and a sealing foil. The design of the structured substrate is compatible to injection molding to allow manufacturing at large scale. Droplets are generated in fluorinated oil and collected in the reaction tube for subsequent analysis. For sample sizes up to 100 µL with a viscosity range of 1 mPa·s–4 mPa·s, we demonstrate stable droplet generation and transfer of more than 6 × 105 monodisperse droplets (droplet diameter 66 µm ± 3 µm, CV ≤ 4%) in less than 10 min. With two application examples, a digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and digital droplet loop mediated isothermal amplification (ddLAMP), we demonstrate the compatibility of the droplet production for two main amplification techniques. Both applications show a high degree of linearity (ddPCR: R2 ≥ 0.994; ddLAMP: R2 ≥ 0.998), which demonstrates that the cartridge and the droplet generation method do not compromise assay performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schulz
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Probst
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Calabrese
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ana R. Homann
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Borst
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marian Weiss
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix von Stetten
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Zengerle
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nils Paust
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-761-203-73245
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20
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Shi Z, Lai X, Sun C, Zhang X, Zhang L, Pu Z, Wang R, Yu H, Li D. Step emulsification in microfluidic droplet generation: mechanisms and structures. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:9056-9066. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc03628e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Step emulsification for micro- and nano-droplet generation is reviewed in brief, including the emulsion mechanisms and microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Xiaochen Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Chengtao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Xingguo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Zhihua Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Ridong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Haixia Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Dachao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
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21
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Opalski AS, Makuch K, Derzsi L, Garstecki P. Split or slip – passive generation of monodisperse double emulsions with cores of varying viscosity in microfluidic tandem step emulsification system. RSC Adv 2020; 10:23058-23065. [PMID: 35520343 PMCID: PMC9054724 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra03007d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigate the role of viscosities on the formation of double emulsion in a microfluidic step emulsification system. Aqueous droplets of various viscosities and sizes were engulfed in fluorocarbon oil and subsequently transformed into double droplets in the microfluidic step emulsifying device. We identify two distinct regimes of double droplet formation: (i) core droplets split into multiple smaller droplets, or (ii) cores slip whole into the forming oil shell. We show that the viscosity ratio of the core and shell phases plays a crucial role in determining the mode of formation of the double emulsions. Finally, we demonstrate that high viscosity of the core droplet allows for generation of double emulsions with constant shell thickness for cores of various sizes. We investigate the role of fluid viscosities on formation of double emulsion in a microfluidic step emulsification system. The ratio of fluid viscosities controls double droplet formation, leading to splitting of the core for low core-to-shell viscosity ratio.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S. Opalski
- Institute of Physical Chemistry of Polish Academy of Sciences
- 01-224 Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Karol Makuch
- Institute of Physical Chemistry of Polish Academy of Sciences
- 01-224 Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Ladislav Derzsi
- Institute of Physical Chemistry of Polish Academy of Sciences
- 01-224 Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Piotr Garstecki
- Institute of Physical Chemistry of Polish Academy of Sciences
- 01-224 Warsaw
- Poland
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