A Laplace pressure based microfluidic trap for passive droplet trapping and controlled release.
Here, we present a microfluidic droplet trap that takes advantage of the net Laplace pressure force generated when a droplet is differentially constricted. Mathematical simulations were first used to understand the working range of the component; followed by finite element modeling using the CFD software package to further characterize the behavior of the system. Controlled release of the trapped droplets is also demonstrated through both a mechanical method and a chemical method that manipulates the total pressure exerted on the trapped droplet. The unique design of this trapping device also provides the capability for selection of a single droplet from a train, as well as droplet fusion.
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, 3201 Natural Sciences II, Irvine, California 92697, USA.
Melinda G
MG
Simon
Robert
R
Lin
Jeffrey S
JS
Fisher
Abraham P
AP
Lee