Precision ejection of microfluidic droplets into air with a superhydrophobic outlet

Lab Chip. 2021 Apr 20;21(8):1484-1491. doi: 10.1039/d0lc01327g.

Abstract

Dispensing micron-scale droplets from a suspended nozzle is important for applications in bioprinting, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical formulation. Here, we describe a general approach to eject droplets from microfluidic devices using superhydrophobic patterning; this facilitates release of wetted fluids, allowing droplets to break contact with channel surfaces and travel along regular paths to achieve a printing accuracy of ∼3 μm. We demonstrate the utility of the approach by using it to print droplets of varied composition from a microfluidic mixing device. Our approach is compatible with common fabrication techniques making it applicable to devices configured for diverse applications.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*
  • Microfluidics