3D printed fittings and fluidic modules for customizable droplet generators

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• 3D Printing
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microfluidic devices are crucial for precise control of fluids at the microscale.
• Fabricating custom microfluidic devices can be complex and time-consuming.
• Existing methods for droplet generation often lack modularity and ease of reconfiguration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid and simple method for fabricating microfluidic non-planar axisymmetric droplet generators.
• To create a modular and reconfigurable platform for customized droplet generation.
• To enable the production of complex emulsions for various scientific applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D printed fittings to achieve axisymmetric flow configuration.
• Employed commercially available needles (e.g., 34 G, ID = 60 μm) as flow-focusing nozzles.
• Assembled 3D printed fittings, needles, and soft tubes as interchangeable modules.
• Integrated 3D printed sub-units for generating complex emulsions like double and compartmented emulsions.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated modular microfluidic droplet generators.
• Achieved droplet diameters as small as 332 ± 10 μm by switching standard needles.
• Demonstrated the capability to produce complex emulsions (double and compartmented).
• The modular design allowed for easy reconfiguration and customization of droplet generation.

Conclusions:

• The developed plug-and-play technology offers an approachable route for fabricating customized microfluidic emulsions.
• This method combines the facile reconfiguration of 3D printed components with the precision of standardized needles.
• The technology provides a versatile platform for applications in chemical and biological sciences requiring tailored microfluidic emulsions.