Theoretical and experimental limits of monodisperse droplet generation

Droplet microfluidic systems are becoming routine in advanced biochemical studies such as single cell gene expression, immuno profiling, precise nucleic acid quantification (dPCR) and particle synthesis. For all these applications, ensuring droplet monodispersity is critical to minimize the uncertainty due volume variation. Despite wide usage of droplet-based systems, limit for generation still unknown. Here, we present an analytical approach that takes into account system dynamics internal/external factors disturb monodispersity. Interestingly, able model a segmented two-phase flow using single-phase analogy, electron flow, electrical circuits. We offer unique solution design guidelines ensure ultra-monodisperse generation. Our conclusions experimentally verified T-junction generator. Equally importantly, show limiting experimental reaching theoretical maximum