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Capillary-based Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for Size-controllable Formation of Monodisperse Microdroplets
Published on: February 22, 2016
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Fluid displacement during droplet formation at microfluidic flow-focusing junctions
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Lab on a Chip
|September 19, 2015
Summary
Microfluidic flow-focusing creates droplets and capsules. This study reveals shear and capillary forces drive fluid displacement within droplets, controllable for diverse microparticle applications.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Microfluidics
- Materials science
Background:
- Microfluidic flow-focusing junctions are key for producing microdroplets and microcapsules.
- Multiphase flow dynamics within these junctions remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the displacement of core and shell aqueous fluids within droplets during formation.
- Identify mechanisms and parameters controlling fluid displacement for microparticle engineering.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations and experimental investigations of two-phase aqueous fluid dispersion in carrier oil.
- Analysis of shear and capillary effects on fluid displacement.
- Determination of dimensionless parameters governing displacement.
Main Results:
- Extensive fluid displacement within forming droplets observed due to carrier fluid shear and interfacial tension.
- Two primary mechanisms driving displacement identified and quantifiable via dimensionless parameters.
- Quantitative relationships established between displacement degree and dimensionless parameters.
Conclusions:
- Fluid displacement in microfluidic droplets is governed by shear and capillary effects.
- Control over displacement achieved using dimensionless parameters and junction geometry.
- Findings offer guidance for tailored microparticle production in biomedical and chemical fields.
