Generation of droplets to serpentine threads on a rotating compact-disk platform

Abstract

We generate stable monodisperse droplets of nano-liter volumes and long serpentine liquid threads in a single, simple “Y”-shaped microchannel mounted on a rotationally actuated lab-on-a-compact-disk platform. Exploitation of Coriolis force offers versatile modus operandi of the present setup, without involving any design complications. Based on the fundamental understanding and subsequent analysis, we present scaling theories consistent with the experimental observations. We also outline specific applications of this technique, in the biological as well as in the physical domain, including digital polymerase chain reaction(PCR), controlled release of medical components, digital counting of colony forming units, hydrogelengineering, optical sensors and scaffolds for living tissues, to name a few.