Dimensioning Droplet Microfluidic Networks

In a droplet microfluidic network, all used components have to be properly chosen. This includes the specifications of the used pumps, modules, sorters, and channels—i.e., the microfluidic network needs to be dimensioned. The specifications of all components and how they are connected eventually will determine the flow of droplets. Here, especially the specification of channels (i.e., their resistances) can be varied in a broad bandwidth and, by this, their proper dimensioning constitutes a significant challenge. In fact, improper specifications can cause the flow in channels/modules to be in the wrong direction or the time a droplet requires to pass a channel/module to be too long/short. However, no dedicated tool support exists yet for completing this specification. Hence, designers are usually left alone during this crucial step, which frequently yields specifications that do not work as intended.