Laboratory for Future Interdisciplinary Research of Science and Technology, Institute of Integrated Research, Institute of Science Tokyo Nisisako Group Microfluidic Interface Lab.

  • Contact・Access
  • Link
  • Japanese

Research Topics

Below are some examples of the research topics in our lab.

Step Emulsification and DLD Separation NEW

Step Emulsification and DLD Separation

Step emulsification generates monodisperse droplets using interfacial tension gradients and is resistant to flow rate variations, making it suitable for scale-up. However, satellite droplets are often by-products. This study developed a device with a DLD micropillar array downstream of the nozzle array to separate main droplets from satellite droplets. Using a scaled-up device with up to 1000 nozzles and DLD channels, 100% satellite-free monodisperse droplets were achieved.

Selected Papers

  1. Ji et al., Micromachines 15, 908(2024).
  2. Ji et al., Micromachines 14, 622(2023).

A Step Emulsification Device with a Slit Channel NEW

A Step Emulsification Device with a Slit Channel

We have developed a new step emulsification device featuring parallel channels that intersect a slit channel perpendicularly. This device effectively guides the generated droplets from the vicinity of the nozzles along the slit channel to the outlet using the continuous phase flow, thereby preventing droplet retention near the nozzles and coalescence of droplets. As a result, monodisperse water-in-oil (W/O) or oil-in-water (O/W) droplets can be rapidly collected outside the device.

Selected Papers

  1. Zheng et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 63, 10226–10233(2024).

Understanding Droplet Breakup in a Micropost Array

Understanding Droplet Breakup in a Micropost Array

Recent studies have highlighted the capability of generating relatively uniform (quasi-monodisperse) droplets by directing the flow of two immiscible liquids (e.g., water and oil) through an array of aligned microscopic posts. Our research has unveiled two distinct breakup modes contingent upon the shear force magnitude. Furthermore, it has been elucidated that the diameter of the resulting droplets exhibits a power-law correlation with Capillary number.

Selected Papers

  1. Masui et al., Lab Chip 23, 4959–4966(2023).

Particle Separation

Microfluidic Particle Separation

Particle separation is a crucial necessity across diverse fields, including analytical chemistry and material production. Our research group is studying a microfluidic technology that allows for highly efficient separation of particles through periodically arrayed microposts. Our accomplishments include the successful separation of polymer particles, droplets, cells, and more.

Selected Papers

  1. Tottori et al., RSC Adv. 7, 35516 (2017).
  2. Tottori et al., Biomicrofluidics 10, 014125 (2016).

Microlenses Fabrication

マイクロレンズ成型

We are pioneering a novel approach to fabricating microlenses, bypassing the need for a solid mold through droplet microfluidics. This technique involves the creation of multiphase droplets wherein a curable and non-curing liquids undergo phase separation. By subsequent photopolymerization, microlenses exhibiting diverse shapses (biconvex, biconcave, concave and convex) can be produced.

Selected Papers

  1. Nisisako et al., Micromachines 6, 1435–1444 (2015).
  2. Nisisako et al., Small 10, 5116–5125 (2014).
  3. Nisisako et al., 精密工学会誌 79, 460–466 (2013)

Artificial Lipid Bilayer Platform

人工脂質二分子膜

Lipid bilayer membranes serve as fundamental components in cell membranes. In recent years, systems utilizing artificial lipid bilayer membranes have found extensive applications in diverse areas such as electrophiological tests, biosensors, and artificial cell studies. We have developed a highly efficient method for fabricating planar lipid bilayers within microchannles or microchambers, facilitating rapid measurements of the in-vitro passsive membrane permeability of potential drug candidates.

Selected Papers

  1. Nisisako et al., Analyst 138, 6793-6800 (2013).

Parallelization for Scaled-Up Production

マイクロ流路の並列化による生産スケールアップ

We are conducting research on technology to scale up the production of various droplets and particles by parallelizing (numbering up) a large number of microchannels at high density. To date, we have parallelized tens to hundreds of microchannels on a chip of several centimeters square to increase the production rate of single-phase emulsion droplets, Janus droplets, multi-phase emulsions, and various fine particles with excellent size uniformity. We are conducting research aimed at further scaling up.

Selected Papers

  1. Nisisako et al., Lab Chip 12, 3426–3435 (2012).
  2. Nisisako et al., Lab Chip 8, 287–293 (2008).
PAGE TOP