Droplet-based microfluidic platforms are promising candidates for high throughput experimentation since they are able to generate picoliter, self-compartmentalized vessels inexpensively at kHz rates. Through integration with fast, sensitive and high resolution fluorescence spectroscopic methods, the large amounts of information generated within these systems can be efficiently extracted, harnessed and utilized.
Total time
~1–2 weeks (chip fabrication + system optimization per experiment)
Steps
1
Understand droplet microfluidic platform principles
Review the fundamentals of droplet-based microfluidics, high-throughput capability, and advantages of picoliter self-compartmentalized vessels for experimentation.
▶ 00:27
2
Fabricate microfluidic chips using photolithography
Design and manufacture microfluidic devices using standard microfabrication techniques to enable droplet generation at kHz rates.
▶ 02:12
3
Assemble microfluidic setup and fluid handling
Configure pumps, tubing, and chip holders to generate and transport droplets through the microfluidic system.
▶ 04:07
4
Configure optical detection and light path
Align fluorescence microscopy optics, detectors, and filters to sensitively capture signals from droplets in real time.
▶ 05:55
5
Set up data acquisition and signal processing
Establish hardware-software integration to synchronously record fluorescence signals and manage high-frequency droplet data streams.
▶ 08:00
6
Identify and analyze single cells in droplets
Apply fluorescence-based recognition algorithms to detect and classify individual cells compartmentalized within droplets.
▶ 09:00
7
Map mixing dynamics using fluorescence lifetime imaging
Use FLIM to visualize and quantify molecular mixing and reaction kinetics within individual droplet compartments.
▶ 11:13