Precise quantitative addition of multiple reagents into droplets in sequence using glass fiber-induced droplet coalescence

Abstract

Precise quantitative addition of multiple reagents into droplets in sequence is still a bottleneck in droplet-based analysis. To address this issue, we presented a simple and robust glass fiber-induced droplet coalescence method. The hydrophilic glass fiber embedded in the microchannels can induce the deformation of droplets and trigger the coalescence. Serial addition of reagents with controlled volumes was performed by this method without the requirement for an external power source.