A Monolithic 3D Printed Axisymmetric Co-Flow Single and Compound Emulsion Generator

We report a microfluidic droplet generator which can produce single and compound droplets using a 3D axisymmetric co-flow structure. The design considered for the fabrication of the device integrated a user-friendly and cost-effective 3D printing process. To verify the performance of the device, single and compound emulsions of deionized water and mineral oil were generated and their features such as size, generation frequency, and emulsion structures were successfully characterized. In addition, the generation of bio emulsions such as alginate and collagen aqueous droplets in mineral oil was demonstrated in this study. Overall, the monolithic 3D printed axisymmetric droplet generator could offer any user an accessible and easy-to-utilize device for the generation of single and compound emulsions.

Automated summary

This study reports a microfluidic droplet generator that can produce single and compound droplets using a 3D printing process. The device's performance was successfully verified, and various emulsions were generated. The study also demonstrated the capability of generating bio emulsions using this device.