Droplet microfluidic systems have evolved as fluidic platforms that use much less sample volume and provide high throughput for biochemical analysis compared to conventional microfluidic devices. The variety of droplet fluidic applications triggered several detection techniques to be applied for analysis of droplets. In this review, we focus on label-free droplet detection techniques that were adapted to various droplet microfluidic platforms. We provide a classification of most commonly used droplet platform technologies. Then we discuss the examples of various label-free droplet detection schemes implemented for these platforms. While providing the research landscape for label-free droplet detection methods, we aim to highlight the strengths and shortcomings of each droplet platform so that a more targeted approach can be taken by researchers when selecting a droplet platform and a detection scheme for any given application.
h i g h l i g h t s Hydrodynamic fluctuations caused by flow sources were damped. Microfluidic system was modelled by including on-chip and off-chip components. Applying hydrodynamic damping truly monodisperse droplets were obtained. Demonstrated that pressure pumps operate with an inherent damping mechanism. Obtained one of the highest droplet monodispersity values in the literature.
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