How to Choose the Right Chemical Formulations for Microfluidic Applications?
Ségolène Antoine,
Scientific Account Manager,
Emulseo
Droplet-based microfluidics has emerged as an efficient solution for
rapid, precise, quantitative and low-cost screening tool for biological
and chemical applications. The monodisperse water-in-oil droplets
generated in droplet-based microfluidic devices are loaded with
biological or chemical agents. The droplets are used as
microcompartments. To analyze and/or sort the content of the droplets,
dyes are usually added. The droplets are then monitored and sorted
according to their fluorescence signal. A common issue in droplet-based
microfluidic experiments involving the use of dyes is dye leakage. The
release of the dye into the oil phase and neighboring droplets results
in a decrease of the accuracy of fluorescence monitoring. Some of the
parameters influencing the retention of dyes in droplets are the nature
of the buffer or cell culture medium, the choice of fluorophore and its
hydrophilicity, the oil phase and the concentration, nature and
molecular weight of the surfactant. In this presentation, we will first
present a comprehensive investigation of the impact of oil choice and
surfactant concentration on dye leakage during droplet-based
microfluidic experiments. The performance of two fluorinated oils and
surfactant concentrations on dye retention will be discussed. Secondly,
the impact on the results resolution of the surfactant auto-fluorescence
will be discussed.
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