Trends in Droplet Microfluidics: From Droplet Generation to Biomedical Applications

Over the past decade, droplet microfluidics has attracted growing interest in biology, medicine, and engineering. In this feature article, we review the advances in droplet microfluidics, primarily focusing on the research conducted by our group. Starting from the introduction to the mechanisms of microfluidic droplet formation and the strategies for cell encapsulation in droplets, we then focus on droplet transformation into microgels. Furthermore, we review three biomedical applications of droplet microfluidics, that is, 3D cell culture, single-cell analysis, and in vitro organ and disease modeling. We conclude with our perspective on future directions in the development of droplet microfluidics for biomedical applications.

Automated summary

This article reviews the advances in droplet microfluidics, with a focus on the mechanisms of microfluidic droplet formation, cell encapsulation strategies, and the transformation of droplets into microgels. Furthermore, it discusses three biomedical applications of droplet microfluidics: 3D cell culture, single-cell analysis, and in vitro organ and disease modeling. The article concludes with a perspective on future directions in the development of droplet microfluidics for biomedical applications.