Issue 5, 2017

Active droplet sorting in microfluidics: a review

Abstract

The ability to manipulate and sort droplets is a fundamental issue in droplet-based microfluidics. Various lab-on-a-chip applications can only be realized if droplets are systematically categorized and sorted. These micron-sized droplets act as ideal reactors which compartmentalize different biological and chemical reagents. Array processing of these droplets hinges on the competence of the sorting and integration into the fluidic system. Recent technological advances only allow droplets to be actively sorted at the rate of kilohertz or less. In this review, we present state-of-the-art technologies which are implemented to efficiently sort droplets. We classify the concepts according to the type of energy implemented into the system. We also discuss various key issues and provide insights into various systems.

Graphical abstract: Active droplet sorting in microfluidics: a review

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
21 nov 2016
Accepted
02 feb 2017
First published
03 feb 2017

Lab Chip, 2017,17, 751-771

Active droplet sorting in microfluidics: a review

H. Xi, H. Zheng, W. Guo, A. M. Gañán-Calvo, Y. Ai, C. Tsao, J. Zhou, W. Li, Y. Huang, N. Nguyen and S. H. Tan, Lab Chip, 2017, 17, 751 DOI: 10.1039/C6LC01435F

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