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Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Capillary-based Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for Size-controllable Formation of Monodisperse Microdroplets

Capillary-based Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for Size-controllable Formation of Monodisperse Microdroplets

Published on: February 22, 2016

Open sessile droplet viscometer with low sample consumption.

Matthias Hermann¹, Kyle Bachus, Graham T T Gibson

¹Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, 90 Bader Lane, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada. Richard.oleschuk@chem.queensu.ca.

|April 30, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study presents a portable viscometer using a microfluidic chip and a two-droplet system. The device accurately measures liquid viscosity with minimal sample volume (<10 μL) and low cost (<$15).

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Area of Science:

Microfluidics
Physical Chemistry
Materials Science

Background:

Traditional viscometers often require large sample volumes and complex operation.
Microfluidic devices offer potential for miniaturization and reduced sample consumption.
Developing cost-effective, portable viscometers is crucial for point-of-care diagnostics and field applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To report a novel portable viscometer utilizing a microfluidic platform.
To demonstrate a low-sample-volume (<10 μL) viscosity measurement technique.
To achieve a low-cost (<$15) and highly sensitive viscosity measurement system.

Main Methods:

A two-droplet Laplace-induced pumping system on an open microfluidic substrate.
Measurement of viscosity based on the time required for droplet coalescence.
Laser-based droplet curvature tracking using a linear diode array for real-time monitoring.
Fabrication via laser micromachining of an omniphobic-coated glass substrate.

Main Results:

Successful viscosity measurements in the range of 1.0–2.87 mPa·s.
Demonstrated proportionality between flow rate and kinematic viscosity, consistent with Hagen-Poiseuille and Laplace relations.
Achieved high sensitivity with minimal sample volume (<10 μL).
The entire device, including fluidics and electronics, costs less than $15.

Conclusions:

The developed portable viscometer offers a cost-effective and low-sample-volume solution for viscosity measurements.
The microfluidic approach enables rapid and precise viscosity determination.
This technology has potential applications in various fields requiring on-site fluid analysis.