Simple and reusable off-the-shelf microfluidic devices for the versatile generation of droplets.

Abstract

A novel, facile, and flexible approach for the easy assembly of microfluidic droplet devices using commercially available components is presented. Three different types of devices have been designed and tested, and the experimental results indicated that the devices offer a promising platform for the controllable generation of highly monodisperse droplets with sizes in the micrometer to millimeter diameter ranges. The advantages of the devices include their low cost, portability, reusability, high accuracy, and reliability. Most importantly, the simple and reversible combination of the different components allows the flexible design of versatile devices for fabricating multiple droplets with diverse structures. Therefore, the devices constitute a powerful microplatform that can be used for scientific and industrial applications.