On-the-fly exchangeable microfluidic nozzles for facile production of various monodisperse micromaterials

Lab Chip. 2019 Jun 7;19(11):1977-1984. doi: 10.1039/c9lc00054b. Epub 2019 Apr 24.

Abstract

Microfluidic manufacturing platforms have advanced the production of monodisperse, shape-controlled, and chemically defined micromaterials. However, conventional microfabrication platforms are typically designed and fabricated as single-purpose and single-use tools, which limits their efficiency, versatility, and overall potential. We here present an on-the-fly exchangeable nozzle concept that operates in a transparent, 3D, and reusable microfluidic device produced without cleanroom technology. The facile exchange and repositioning of the nozzles readily enables the production of monodisperse water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions, solid and core-shell microspheres, microfibers, and even Janus type micromaterials with controlled diameters ranging from 10 to 1000 μm using a single microfluidic device.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
  • Microspheres
  • Oils / chemistry
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Oils
  • Water