Emerging Droplet Microfluidics

Chem Rev. 2017 Jun 28;117(12):7964-8040. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00848. Epub 2017 May 24.

Abstract

Droplet microfluidics generates and manipulates discrete droplets through immiscible multiphase flows inside microchannels. Due to its remarkable advantages, droplet microfluidics bears significant value in an extremely wide range of area. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and in-depth insight into droplet microfluidics, covering fundamental research from microfluidic chip fabrication and droplet generation to the applications of droplets in bio(chemical) analysis and materials generation. The purpose of this review is to convey the fundamentals of droplet microfluidics, a critical analysis on its current status and challenges, and opinions on its future development. We believe this review will promote communications among biology, chemistry, physics, and materials science.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical
  • Humans
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods*