Microdroplet generation in gaseous and liquid environments

As trends in biology, chemistry, medicine and manufacturing have pushed macroscopic processes onto the micro scale, droplet generation has been a key factor in allowing these methods to translate. For both surface-based liquid-in-gas generation and lab-on-a-chip-based liquid-in-liquid generation, the ability to create small monodisperse liquid droplets is critically important in constructing reliable and practical devices. This article reviews liquid microdroplet generation in gaseous and liquid environments, covering the general characteristics of generators and the specific methods and technologies used for generation. Furthermore, this study compiles the issues encountered when operating generators, and the measurements and instrumentation used to characterize generated droplets. Applications of droplet generation in printing, analysis, synthesis and manufacturing are also discussed.