Multiphase Microfluidics: Transport, Interfaces and Dynamics

Dear Colleagues,

Multiphase transport and interfacial interactions in micro- and nanoscale systems have received growing research and industrial attention over the past decade. While classical microfluidic and interfacial science have provided the foundation for understanding droplet, bubble, and multiphase behavior, new experimental and computational tools have greatly expanded our ability to probe and control transient multiphase phenomena at small scales. At the same time, these complementary approaches are increasingly being integrated to harness the advantages of both high-resolution diagnostics and advanced multi-physics modeling. For instance, high-speed imaging combined with machine-learning-based flow reconstruction has enabled the quantitative characterization of ultrafast bubble dynamics and phase-change-driven transport.

Multiphase microfluidics represents a key enabling technology for linking microscale interfacial processes with macroscale functionalities in engineering, materials, and biomedical applications. The ability to control bubble and droplet generation, interfacial deformation, heat and mass transfer, and phase-transition-induced flow is essential for improving micro- and nano-precision manufacturing, regulating chemical and biological microenvironments, and achieving efficient thermal management and energy conversion. As micro- and nanoscale systems continue to evolve, the demand for accurate, scalable, and robust strategies to manipulate multiphase behavior has never been greater.

Accordingly, this Special Issue seeks to showcase original research articles, short communications, and comprehensive reviews that highlight emerging methodologies and fundamental advances in multiphase microfluidics. Topics of interest include droplet and bubble dynamics, cavitation, phase-change-driven transport, surface tension–wettability effects, thermocapillary flows, electrohydrodynamic phenomena, as well as interface engineering enabled by microfabrication. Contributions involving novel process chains, optimization strategies, metrology, or data-driven diagnostics are particularly encouraged, as these developments are essential for integrating multiphase phenomena across scales in next-generation microfluidic and microsystem technologies.

Prof. Dr. Bingqiang Ji
Guest Editor

Dr. Chenliang Xia
Guest Editor Assistant

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