Droplet-interfacing strategies in microscale electrophoresis for sample treatment, separation and quantification: A review

In this study, for the first time we report on a comprehensive overview of different strategies to hyphenate droplet-based sample handling and preparation with electrophoretic separation in formats (i.e. microchip capillary electrophoresis). Droplet-interfaced electrophoresis is an emerging technique which micro/nanometric droplets are used as bridge carrier target analytes between treatment electrokinetic steps, thus being expected overcome challenges working dimension mismatch low degree module integration. This review covers all works topic from 2006 (the year communication) up 2020, focus given three principal interfacing strategies, including immiscible phases, digital microfluidics electrowetting-on-dielectric principle inkjet droplet generation. Different instrumental developments such purpose, viewpoints pros cons these designs well application demonstrations droplet-interfaced discussed.