How to efficiently merge microdroplets using an electric field
Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 10:30
in Physics & Chemistry
In microfluidic devices, small separated droplets flow in a stream of carrier liquid. Occasionally, selected droplets have to be merged to carry out a chemical reaction. This can be greatly facilitated with the use of electric field, through a process of electrocoalescence that has been used industrially in large scale applications. Researchers have discovered the laws governing the process and how to maximize the efficiency of the merging.