Microfluidic droplets generation using two LSPone Syringe Pump
Our LSPone syringe pump can be used to interact with a chip. In this example, a droplet generation chip is used. It requires two simultaneous flows, thus two LSPones.
By changing the flow rates of both pumps, and the ratio between both flow rates, one can change the droplets’ sizes. It is possible to connect multiple liquids at the entrance of the LSPone. This allows you to dilute liquids before doing droplets with the mixture. You could also automate a sequence of droplets of different liquids with a single syringe pump.
How are droplets formed?
The most commun chip designs to create droplets are a t-shaped junction or a flow-focusing junction. In both cases, two different phases are required (oil and liquid) at specific flow rates.
What is my setup?
Required components:
- Computer
- LSPone x2
- Microfluidic chip
- Water & oil
- Waste reservoir
- Connectors & tubings
What chip am I using?
In this setup, we are using a droplet generation chip from microfluidic ChipShop (product number: 13-1007-0440-02), with a flow-focusing junction. The top left part is connected to the oil, and the water passes through the serpentine in the middle. Thus water droplets are created in the oil carrier.