Electrohydrodynamically controlled generation of a single or multiple drops in the microflow of aqueous two-phase system

Abstract

We report a novel method for active generation of drops in an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). A small volume of fluid of one phase is separated from its laminar stream to be dispersed in the other phase by the perturbation of the liquid-liquid interface which is induced by electrohydrodynamic force. The number of drops generated is controlled by the change in the magnitude and duration of d.c. electric pulse.