Microfluidics: Liquid-liquid flows and biological applications.

摘要

This dissertation examines the various applications of microfluidics as a research tool for studying the effects of length-scale on liquid-liquid flows. Topics include the thin film drainage beneath droplets of size ranging from millimeters to microns, the changes in elastic effects during pinch-off of polymer fluids at various length-scales and examining the effects of surface properties on droplet formation inside microchannels. Additionally, the biological applications of microfluidic networks are investigated in studying the optimal flow-rate, pH levels and ammonia concentrations for the growth of anaerobic methanogens.