A Simple Pump-Free Approach to Generating High-Throughput Microdroplets Using Oscillating Microcone Arrays

Abstract

Droplet generation is crucial in various scientific and industrial fields, such as drug delivery, diagnostics, and inkjet printing. While microfluidic platforms enable precise droplet formation, traditional methods often require costly and complex setups, limiting their accessibility. This study introduces a simple, low-cost approach using an off-the-shelf unit and a 3D-printed reservoir. The device, equipped with a driver board, piezo-ring transducer, and a metal sheet with holes, generates oil-in-water (O/W) droplets with an average diameter of 4.62 ± 0.67 µm without external fluid pumps. Its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and scalability make it highly suitable for both lab-on-chip and industrial applications, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale uniform droplet production.

Keywords

• droplet microfluidics
• acoustofluidics
• piezo-transducer
• oil droplets