Water-in-water droplet microfluidics: A design manual

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Droplet microfluidics is widely used in biomedicine and biology for applications like biochemical analysis and point-of-care diagnostics.
• Integrating aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) into microfluidic platforms offers oil-free solutions for biological applications.
• ATPSs can reduce cytotoxicity and preserve the integrity of valuable biomolecular reagents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a design manual for researchers utilizing all-in-water droplet microfluidic systems.
• To guide chemists, biologists, and engineers in designing experiments for biological applications.
• To highlight the capabilities and methods associated with ATPS droplet microfluidics.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on droplet microfluidics and ATPS integration.
• Description of experimental designs and achievable studies using all-in-water systems.
• Explanation of fabrication and stabilization techniques for ATPS droplet microfluidics.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of studies possible with ATPS droplet microfluidics.
• Guidance on experimental design, fabrication, and stabilization methods.
• Identification of current advancements and fundamental principles.

Conclusions:

• All-in-water ATPS droplet microfluidics presents a promising avenue for oil-free biological and biomedical research.
• This review equips researchers with the knowledge to apply ATPS droplet microfluidics in their work.
• Future opportunities exist for exploring underexplored applications of this technology.