Precise control over fluid routing is key to building high-throughput and automated workflows. Elveflow, a recognized leader in microfluidic flow control systems, has developed an elegant approach for sequential droplet production and trapping using their MUX Distribution Valve, powered by AMF’s RVM rotary valve at its core.
This setup, featured in Elveflow’s dedicated application note, enables researchers to generate droplets from multiple reagents in a single run, switch between fluids without cross-contamination, and load droplets directly into a microfluidic chip for in-situ optical analysis. All of it is seamlessly managed through their Elveflow Smart Interface software.
In the application developed by Elveflow, the objective was to generate a controlled sequence of droplets, each containing a different aqueous solution, and direct them into a microfluidic trapping chip for real-time optical analysis. To make this possible, the system needed to:
Setup (made by Elveflow)
In traditional setups, achieving this level of control typically involves manual tubing changes, complex valve networks, or extensive calibration, all of which can introduce variability, delay workflows, and increase the risk of error.
Elveflow set out to create a fully automated and programmable droplet production system that would allow up to 12 aqueous solutions to be introduced sequentially, spaced by oil plugs, and directly routed into a microfluidic chip for trapping and analysis. The goal was to keep the setup compact, easy to operate, and fully software-controlled, while avoiding any droplet coalescence or sample loss during the entire process.
To meet this challenge, Elveflow integrated AMF’s high-precision RVM microfluidic rotary valve into their MUX Distribution Valve, a compact 12-to-1 selector designed for microfluidic applications requiring sequential fluid handling.
The RVM’s ultra-low internal volume and rapid switching capabilities allowed Elveflow to seamlessly alternate between up to 12 aqueous solutions, each separated by an oil spacer, without introducing dead volumes or carry-over.
Controlled through the Elveflow Smart Interface software, the MUX enabled precise, programmable fluid routing into a droplet generator connected to a trapping chip. This setup eliminated the need for manual switching or complex tubing reconfigurations, offering a streamlined and reproducible droplet production workflow.
By integrating the RVM into the MUX Distribution Valve, Elveflow delivered a solution that combines precision, reliability, and ease of use:
These benefits result in a robust platform for producing highly controlled droplet libraries suitable for high-throughput and comparative studies.
Using this setup, Elveflow successfully demonstrated the sequential generation of monodisperse droplets from multiple aqueous solutions, each cleanly separated by oil plugs and directly injected into a microfluidic trapping chip containing 2,261 individual traps. Droplets were formed with high uniformity (Ø ~150–180 µm) and efficiently captured for downstream optical analysis.
Inside the microfluidic chip, droplets remained stable and well-confined. The boundaries between the four solutions were distinct and clearly visible. (made by Elveflow)
The complete workflow, from sample loading to droplet trapping, was fully automated and reproducible. The integration of the MUX, powered by the RVM, enabled researchers to switch between fluids without contamination or instability, ensuring data consistency across experiments.
This droplet production and trapping workflow opens the door to a wide range of advanced microfluidic applications, including:
The flexibility of the MUX Distribution Valve, combined with the reliability of the RVM, makes this solution ideal for both research and industrial labs seeking automation and precision in droplet-based workflows.
Elveflow’s innovative use of the MUX Distribution Valve, featuring AMF’s RVM rotary valve, demonstrates how thoughtful fluidic integration can simplify complex microfluidic tasks. By enabling automated, sequential droplet generation with high precision and minimal sample loss, this setup empowers researchers to explore more advanced, multiplexed experiments without increasing system complexity.
This case highlights the value of robust microfluidic components like the RVM in real-world applications, where reliability, compactness, and software control come together to deliver reproducible, high-throughput results.
Elveflow is a leading provider of laboratory microfluidic instruments, headquartered in Paris, France. Specializing in high-precision flow control, sensors, and integrated platforms, the company supports researchers in life sciences, diagnostics, and materials science. With a focus on flexibility and ease of use, Elveflow’s systems are designed to accelerate experiments, improve reproducibility, and simplify the path from prototyping to advanced applications.
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