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Micromachines
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Droplet Microfluidic-Based Systems: Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Directions
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Droplet Microfluidic-Based Systems: Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Directions

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "B：Biology and Biomedicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 3824

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Wei Guo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Interests: droplets; microfluidics; complex coacervates; DNA/RNA aptamers
Dr. Yage Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Interests: microfluidics; microscale interfacial phenomena; in vitro diagnostics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Droplet microfluidics has emerged as a powerful platform for a wide range of biochemical and industrial applications. The small spatial scales and high surface-to-volume ratios inherent to droplet-based systems offer unique advantages, including precise control of reagent volumes, well-defined reaction conditions, rapid mixing, enhanced interfacial effects, and high-throughput capabilities. These systems can facilitate biochemical reactions that are challenging to achieve in bulk phases. Over the past two decades, droplet microfluidics-based systems have been extensively investigated and applied in fields such as high-throughput screening, 3D printing, and wearable electronics. As we enter the middle of the fourth decade in the history of microfluidics, new knowledge, concepts, and technologies continue to emerge. For example, the development of artificial intelligence is paving the way for more advanced and sensitive droplet microfluidics-based systems.

This Special Issue, entitled “Droplet Microfluidic-Based Systems: Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Directions”, will highlight the latest fundamental studies and innovative applications in droplet microfluidics. We welcome submissions in the form of research papers, short communications, and review articles. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Fundamental understanding of flow manipulations in droplet microfluidics-based systems;
  2. Designs, fabrications and applications of droplet microfluidics-based systems;
  3. High-throughput droplet microfluidics-based systems for various applications and processes;
  4. New concepts and technologies integrated into droplet microfluidics-based systems.

In addition, we welcome submissions regarding the latest early-stage biological or chemical applications potentially empowered by droplet microfluidics-based systems. A thorough discussion on how droplet microfluidics-based systems can improve these applications is required.

We look forward to receiving your submissions.

Sincerely,

Dr. Wei Guo
Dr. Yage Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Micromachines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • microfluidics
  • droplet manipulations
  • high-throughput screening
  • microfabrications
  • biochemical assays
  • directed evolution

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 2918 KB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of Hybrid Electric–Structural Control for Microdroplet Formation in Ribbed T-Junction Microchannels
by Ruyi Fu
Micromachines 2025, 16(7), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16070732 - 22 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1098
Abstract
Microdroplet formation in microfluidic systems plays a pivotal role in chemical engineering, biomedicine, and energy applications. Precise control over the droplet size and formation dynamics of microdroplets is essential for optimizing performance in these fields. This work explores a hybrid control strategy that [...] Read more.
Microdroplet formation in microfluidic systems plays a pivotal role in chemical engineering, biomedicine, and energy applications. Precise control over the droplet size and formation dynamics of microdroplets is essential for optimizing performance in these fields. This work explores a hybrid control strategy that combines an active electric field with passive rib structures to regulate the droplet formation in a ribbed T-junction microchannel under an electric field. Numerical simulations based on the phase-field method are employed to analyze the effects of the electric capillary number Cae and rib height a/wc on the droplet formation mechanism. The results reveal that increasing Cae induces three distinct flow regimes of the dispersed phase: unpinning, partially pinning, and fully pinning regimes. This transition from an unpinning to a pinning regime increases the contact area between the wall and dispersed phase, restricts the flow of the continuous phase, and induces the shear stress of the wall, leading to a reduction in droplet size with the enhanced Cae. Furthermore, an increase in rib height a/wc enhances the shear stress of the continuous phase above the rib, causing a progressive shift from a fully pinning to an unpinning regime, which results in a linear decrease in droplet size. A new empirical correlation is proposed to predict droplet size S/wc2 as a function of rib height a/wc and two-phase flow rate ratio Qd/Qc: S/wc2=(−0.62−1.8Qd/Qc)(a/w)+(0.64+0.99Qd/Qc). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Droplet Microfluidic-Based Systems: Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Directions)
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Review

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47 pages, 8567 KB  
Review
Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices: A Powerful Strategy for Rapid Detection
by Xin Liu, Weimin Xu, Haowen Jiang, Ruping Liu, Ziqi Kong, Jianxiao Zhu, Zhicheng Sun, Shouzheng Jiao, Weiqing Li and Yang Wang
Micromachines 2026, 17(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17010064 - 31 Dec 2025
Viewed by 513
Abstract
In recent years, diseases, environmental pollution, and food safety issues have seriously threatened global health, generating international concern. Many existing detection strategies used to deal with the above problems have high accuracy and sensitivity, but usually rely on large-sized, complex instruments and professional [...] Read more.
In recent years, diseases, environmental pollution, and food safety issues have seriously threatened global health, generating international concern. Many existing detection strategies used to deal with the above problems have high accuracy and sensitivity, but usually rely on large-sized, complex instruments and professional technicians, which are not suitable for on-site testing. Therefore, it is imperative to develop highly sensitive, rapid, and portable analytical methods. Recently, microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have been recognized as a highly promising microfluidic device substrate to deal with the issues existing in medical, environmental, and food safety, etc., due to their advantages, including environmental-friendliness, high flexibility, low cost, and mature technology. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in μPADs. We first overview the development of paper-based materials and their core fabrication techniques, followed by a detailed discussion on the material selection and detection mechanisms of the devices. The review also provides an assessment of the application achievements of μPADs in medical diagnostics, environmental analysis, and food safety monitoring. Finally, current challenges in the field are summarized and future research directions and prospects are proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Droplet Microfluidic-Based Systems: Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Directions)
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28 pages, 3921 KB  
Review
Microdroplet Systems for Gene Transfer: From Fundamentals to Future Perspectives
by Mishell Criollo, Gina Layedra, Camilo Pérez-Sosa, Gustavo Rosero and Ana Belén Peñaherrera-Pazmiño
Micromachines 2025, 16(11), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16111245 - 31 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1697
Abstract
Microfluidics enables precise control of fluid movement within microchannels, facilitating the generation of microdroplets at high frequencies. This technology provides a unique platform for conducting biological and chemical experiments, enhancing throughput and sensitivity, particularly in single-cell analysis. The microdroplet environment enhances interactions between [...] Read more.
Microfluidics enables precise control of fluid movement within microchannels, facilitating the generation of microdroplets at high frequencies. This technology provides a unique platform for conducting biological and chemical experiments, enhancing throughput and sensitivity, particularly in single-cell analysis. The microdroplet environment enhances interactions between cells and gene delivery materials, resulting in greater contact area, higher reagent concentration, and improved diffusion for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of transfection and transformation within microdroplet technologies, highlighting their potential to improve gene editing efficiency while addressing challenges related to delivery mechanisms and cellular uptake rates. The integration of microdroplet technology with advanced gene editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9, promises to streamline processes and improve outcomes in various applications, including therapeutic interventions, vaccine development, regenerative medicine, and personalized medicine. These advancements could lead to more precise targeting of genetic modifications, resulting in tailored therapies that better meet individual patient needs. Overall, the integration of gene delivery in microdroplets represents a significant leap in biotechnology, enhancing the efficacy of gene delivery systems and opening new avenues for research and development in precision medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Droplet Microfluidic-Based Systems: Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Directions)
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