Issue 5, 2024

Development and future of droplet microfluidics

Abstract

Over the past two decades, advances in droplet-based microfluidics have facilitated new approaches to process and analyze samples with unprecedented levels of precision and throughput. A wide variety of applications has been inspired across multiple disciplines ranging from materials science to biology. Understanding the dynamics of droplets enables optimization of microfluidic operations and design of new techniques tailored to emerging demands. In this review, we discuss the underlying physics behind high-throughput generation and manipulation of droplets. We also summarize the applications in droplet-derived materials and droplet-based lab-on-a-chip biotechnology. In addition, we offer perspectives on future directions to realize wider use of droplet microfluidics in industrial production and biomedical analyses.

Graphical abstract: Development and future of droplet microfluidics

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
25 aug 2023
Accepted
04 okt 2023
First published
02 jan 2024

Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1135-1153

Development and future of droplet microfluidics

L. Nan, H. Zhang, D. A. Weitz and H. C. Shum, Lab Chip, 2024, 24, 1135 DOI: 10.1039/D3LC00729D

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