Microdroplet Control for Better Experiments

(ETH Zurich, July 30, 2013)

Microdroplets are used in experiments, but they typically evaporate quickly, making experimentation difficult. Researchers at ETH Zurich now have a new way to control these microdroplets. Using technology from nanoscale 3D printers, they create droplets by placing even smaller droplets at the desired site. As the main droplet evaporates, additional liquid can be added in minuscule quantities to control its size and concentration. This generally applicable approach represents an improvement over previous approaches that used specially-designed microfluidic chips.