Step Emulsification Chip is a microfluidic chip technology widely used in the field of droplet microfluidics. It adopts advanced emulsification technology to realize efficient control and precise manipulation of liquid droplets by layering to form a step structure.
In this paper, we will delve into the technical principles, preparation methods, application areas, advantages, challenges, and future perspectives of step emulsion chips.
I. Technical Principles:
The core technological principle of the Step Emulsion Chip is to utilize the emulsification process in microfluidics. By means of appropriately designed microchannel structures, two or more immiscible liquids are propelled into the emulsification region to form droplets.
The formation of the stepped structure is achieved by modulating different levels of microchannels in combination with the emulsification region, resulting in a stepwise distribution of droplets. This hierarchical droplet formation enables more complex and precise droplet manipulation in the stepped emulsion chip.
II. Fabrication Methods:
The preparation method of microfluidic step emulsion chips usually includes a combination of micromachining and emulsification techniques. First, microfluidic chips with specific structures, including layered microchannels and emulsified regions, are prepared using micromachining techniques.
Then, by introducing liquids of different phases into the microchannel, combined with external control, the step-by-step generation of droplets is realized. The preparation process needs to consider factors such as the size of the microchannel, the nature of the liquid, and the flow rate to ensure a stable and efficient emulsification process.
Application Areas：
Biomedical Research: Enables precise manipulation of microdroplets for enhanced efficiency in cell analysis, drug delivery, and gene editing.
Chemical Synthesis: Facilitates controlled microenvironments for various reactants, promoting complex reactions in organic synthesis and nanoparticle preparation.
Food Industry: Enhances the preparation of microencapsulated flavorings, ensuring uniform coating of small droplets for improved product quality.
Cosmetic Manufacturing: Used in the preparation of emulsions and creams for cosmetics, providing a finer and more stable emulsion.
IV. Advantages:
Efficient Manipulation: Achieves tiered control of droplets, enhancing precision in manipulation.
Multilayered Design: Through multi-tiered microchannel design, forms a step-like structure allowing for more complex droplet shapes.
High Throughput: Simultaneously generates multiple droplets of different levels, increasing experimental throughput.
Precise Regulation: Allows control over droplet size, distribution, and shape, suitable for various applications.
V. Challenges:
Process Optimization: Ongoing optimization is required to enhance stability and controllability during chip fabrication.
Material Selection: Choosing chip materials requires consideration of compatibility with emulsified liquids to avoid material issues.
Standardization: Establishing experimental standards for Step-Emulsification Chips across different application areas to ensure reproducibility.
Cost Control: Addressing high costs associated with chip fabrication and experimental operations, seeking economically viable approaches.
V. Future Prospects:
As an innovative application of microfluidic technology, the future holds significant potential for Step-Emulsification Chips in diverse fields. Continual refinement of fabrication processes, expansion into new application domains, and integration with other microfluidic technologies will open up more possibilities, driving the development of droplet microfluidics.
Dxfluidics Products
The triangular nozzle step-emulsification structure is an innovative microfluidic technology that differs from traditional droplet generation methods, relying primarily on interfacial tension to achieve droplet formation. Through the use of specially designed triangular nozzles, as the liquid passes through microchannels, the Laplace pressure at the neck does not match the capillary pressure, triggering the rupture of the dispersed phase and forming stable droplets. The uniqueness of this structure lies in the fact that the droplet size is not influenced by the flow rate but is mainly determined by the geometric structure of the channel, ensuring greater stability in monodispersity. The innovative design of the triangular nozzle step-emulsification structure brings more precise droplet generation and control methods to microfluidic droplet technology.
| Product Code | Outline （mm） | Nozzle height （um） | Step height （um） | Nozzle width （um） | Material | Thickness （mm） | Price （CNY） |
| D0001 | 53*29 | 20 | 100 | 45 | galss | 4 | 1500 |
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