2017/01/01 by Heng-Dong Xi, Hao Zheng, Wei Guo +8 · 2 citations
Engineering · #Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation #Electrowetting and Microfluidic Technologies #Microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis Applications
paper · doi:10.1039/c6lc01435f
openalex publication_date 2017/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/02
The ability to manipulate and sort droplets is a fundamental issue in droplet-based microfluidics. Various lab-on-a-chip applications can only be realized if droplets are systematically categorized and sorted. These micron-sized droplets act as ideal reactors which compartmentalize different biological and chemical reagents. Array processing of these droplets hinges on the competence of the sorting and integration into the fluidic system. Recent technological advances only allow droplets to be actively sorted at the rate of kilohertz or less. In this review, we present state-of-the-art technologies which are implemented to efficiently sort droplets. We classify the concepts according to the type of energy implemented into the system. We also discuss various key issues and provide insights into various systems.