Microfluidic Design of Complex Emulsions

Controllable generation of complex emulsions comprising exceptional features such as several compartments and shape anisotropy is becoming increasingly important. Complex emulsions are attracting great interest due to their significant potential in many applications, including foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, materials, and chemical separations. Microfluidics is emerging as a promising route to the generation of complex emulsions, providing precise control over emulsion shape, size, and compartments. The aim of this Minireview is to mainly describe the progress of microfluidic approaches to design complex emulsions using hydrodynamic control and phase separation. The emulsions formed are classified according to their morphology, anisotropy, and internal structure. Emerging applications of complex emulsions formed using these microfluidic techniques are discussed. Simple means to a complex end: Microfluidics is a promising route to the generation of complex emulsions, providing precise control over emulsion size, shape, and compartments. The progress of microfluidic approaches to design complex emulsions using hydrodynamic control and phase separation is reviewed. Emerging applications of complex emulsions formed using these microfluidic techniques are discussed.