Microfluidic devices

A method for manipulating droplets in microfluidics system, the method comprising:

• delivering a plurality of droplets and a first fluid along a main fluid flow path of a main microchannel;
• delivering a second fluid along a side flow path defined by intersecting first and second microchannels, the first and second microchannels forming an angle therebetween and intersecting with one another at an opening in the main microchannel;
• and
• altering a volume of one or more of the plurality of droplets as respective droplets move along the main fluid flow path and pass the opening in the main microchannel.

A method for manipulating droplets in microfluidics system, the method comprising:

• delivering a plurality of droplets and a first fluid along a main fluid flow path of a main microchannel;
• delivering a second fluid along a side flow path defined by a side microchannel, the side microchannel intersecting with the main microchannel at an opening in the main microchannel;
• applying an electric field to the plurality of droplets at the opening in the main microchannel by aligning a first electrode and a second electrode relative to each other and positioning the first and the second electrodes adjacent to the opening in the main microchannel;
• and
• extracting one or more of the plurality of droplets into the side microchannel as respective droplets move along the main fluid flow path and pass the opening in the main microchannel.

A device comprising:

• a main microchannel defining a main fluid flow path and having an opening;
• a first microchannel defining a first fluid flow path, the first fluid flow path being in fluidic communication with the main fluid flow path via the opening;
• and
• an electric field generator having a first electrode and a second electrode which are aligned relative to each other and disposed adjacent to the opening.