ABSTRACT
Modern biological research often requires massively parallel experiments to analyze a large number of samples in order to find biomarkers, screen drugs, or elucidate complex cellular pathways. These processes frequently involve time-consuming sample preparation and expensive biochemical measurements. This chapter focuses primarily on the integrated droplet-based microsystems having the ability to couple with chemical separations and nonoptical detection, allowing for ex situ analysis and the identification of the biochemical components contained in the microdroplets. Some unit operations for microdroplets is briefly introduced, including droplet generation, fusion, and incubation. All approaches and techniques that have been developed for droplet detection, droplet extraction, coupling to capillary electrophoresis (CE) separation, and electrospray ionization (ESI)-mass spectrometry (MS) detection are reviewed. An example of integrated droplet-based microfluidics, including on-demand droplet generation and fusion, robust and efficient droplet extraction, and a monolithically integrated nano-ESI emitter, is given to demonstrate its potential for chemical and biological research.
