Droplet-based microfluidic devices for multiple-droplet trapping, storing, and clustering employing guiding tracks and forward/backward flows

We present a double-layered microfluidic device integrating multiple-function as droplet producing, manipulating, trapping, guiding, storing, clustering and demonstrated triple-droplet clustering in a simple controlled manner, using guiding tracks and simple forward/backward flows for improving trapping/storing efficiency. With this method, large array of different multiple-droplets could be manipulated, stored and monitored simultaneously. We expect the proposed strategy will be valuable to study transfer of molecules across the droplets, enzymatic reactions and high throughput bioassay reaction.