Controllable preparation of monodisperse O/W and W/O emulsions in the same microfluidic device

Langmuir. 2006 Sep 12;22(19):7943-6. doi: 10.1021/la0605743.

Abstract

This letter presents a simple way to prepare monodisperse O/W and W/O emulsions in the same T-junction microfluidic device just by changing the wetting properties of the microchannel wall with different surfactants. Highly uniform droplets ranging from 50 to 400 mum with a polydispersity index (sigma) value of less than 2% were successfully prepared. With the change in surfactants and surfactant concentrations, the interfacial tension and the wetting properties varied, and disordered or ordered two-phase flow patterns could be controllable. Monodisperse O/W and W/O emulsions were prepared under the action of a cross-flowing shear force or a perpendicular shear force by using an oil solution with 0.1-2.0 wt % Span 80 and an aqueous solution with 0.1-2.0 wt % Tween 20 as a continuous-phase flow, respectively. It gives a controllable method of preparing O/W and W/O emulsions in the same microfluidic device.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Emulsions / chemical synthesis*
  • Emulsions / chemistry
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*
  • Oils / chemistry*
  • Rheology
  • Surface Properties
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Emulsions
  • Oils
  • Water