A universal model for continuous “one-to-two” high-efficient droplet generation in digital microfluidics

Abstract

High-efficient droplet generation is crucial in microfluidics platforms in bio-applications. Among the microfluidic techniques, digital microfluidics, although with the capability of programmatically manipulating the droplets, is less effective in high-throughput droplets generation. In this Letter, a continuous “one-to-two” droplet generation strategy on digital microfluidics platform is achieved with an exponential generation efficiency, while overcoming the restriction on the droplet geometries (aspect ratio) in a wide range. An energy-based sub-droplet generation model is also proposed, as an expansion to the previous Laplace pressure-based geometrical model. The electrical parameters are taken into computing the sub-droplet generation on digital microfluidics from the aspect of energy. The proposed continuous “one-to-two” droplet generation strategy can generate sub-droplets with a minimized electrodes' number while with a higher energy input in each operation. The exponential efficiency will open the era for high-throughput droplets' application developments in digital microfluidics.