Date of Award

Winter 12-3-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS Physics

Department

Physics

Advisor

Mitra Shojania Feizabadi, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Peter Morse, Ph. D.

Committee Member

Cosimo Antonacci, Ph.D.

Keywords

droplet-based microfluidics, fluorinated chemicals, emu oil, microdroplet, biocompatibility, flow rates, surfactant, microchannel geometry

Abstract

Droplet-based microfluidics has rapidly advanced numerous fields, including chemistry, biology, materials science, medicine, food science, and cosmetics. In these systems, fluorocarbon oil combined with fluorinated surfactants is the preferred medium for fluid encapsulation, offering exceptional stability and biocompatibility essential for sensitive biological and chemical processes. However, growing concerns about the environmental and biological risks associated with fluorinated chemicals have prompted a search for alternatives.

This study is the first to explore the use of unsaturated fatty acids derived from emu oil for microdroplet formation. We characterized droplet formation based on flow rates and the presence non-fluorinated surfactant at a certain concentration using a fixed microchannel geometry. We demonstrate the feasibility of using this oil as an alternative in microdroplet applications, potentially reducing the risks associated with traditional fluorinated oils.

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