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Abstract Double emulsions with core‐shell structures are versatile materials used in applications such as cell culture, drug delivery, and materials synthesis. A droplet library with precisely controlled dimensions and properties would streamline screening and optimization for specific applications. While microfluidic droplet generation offers high precision, it is typically labor‐intensive and sensitive to disturbances, requiring continuous operator intervention. To address these limitations, we present an artificial intelligence (AI)‐empowered automated double emulsion droplet library generator. This system integrates a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based object detection model, decision‐making, and feedback control algorithms to automate droplet generation and collection. The system monitors droplet generation every 171 ms—faster than a Formula 1 driver's reaction time—ensuring rapid response to disturbances and consistent production of single‐core double emulsions. It autonomously generates libraries of 25 distinct monodisperse droplets with user‐defined properties. This automation reduces labor and waste, enhances precision, and supports rapid and reliable droplet library generation. We anticipate that this platform will accelerate discovery and optimization in biomedical, biological, and materials research.
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A Monolithic 3D Printed Axisymmetric Co-Flow Single and Compound Emulsion Generator
We report a microfluidic droplet generator which can produce single and compound droplets using a 3D axisymmetric co-flow structure. The design considered for the fabrication of the device integrated a user-friendly and cost-effective 3D printing process. To verify the performance of the device, single and compound emulsions of deionized water and mineral oil were generated and their features such as size, generation frequency, and emulsion structures were successfully characterized. In addition, the generation of bio emulsions such as alginate and collagen aqueous droplets in mineral oil was demonstrated in this study. Overall, the monolithic 3D printed axisymmetric droplet generator could offer any user an accessible and easy-to-utilize device for the generation of single and compound emulsions.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1711801
- PAR ID:
- 10374329
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Micromachines
- Volume:
- 13
- Issue:
- 2
- ISSN:
- 2072-666X
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 188
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13020188
