Mitos Dropix Droplet Merging System by Dolomite

Overview

The Mitos Dropix Droplet Merging System by Dolomite is a precision-engineered microfluidic platform designed for controlled, on-chip coalescence of monodisperse aqueous droplets in oil-phase carriers. Operating on the principle of electro-coalescence—where transient electric fields induce localized membrane destabilization at the oil-water interface—the system enables deterministic, programmable merging of pre-formed droplets with high temporal and spatial resolution. Unlike passive merging strategies, Dropix delivers active, user-defined fusion events synchronized with droplet generation (e.g., via Mitos Pumps or Dolomite’s Flow Control Units), supporting complex multi-step workflows within a single chip. Its architecture is optimized for integration into automated lab-on-a-chip (LoC) pipelines, particularly where sequential biochemical reactions, compartmentalized cell assays, or iterative selection cycles demand precise control over reaction volume, timing, and combinatorial pairing.

Key Features

• Electro-coalescence-based droplet merging with sub-second actuation latency and >95% merging success rate under calibrated flow conditions
• Compatible with standard Dolomite Mitos microfluidic chips featuring integrated electrodes and hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface patterning
• Real-time synchronization with upstream droplet generation systems (e.g., Mitos Syringe Pumps, Flow Sensors) via TTL/USB triggers
• Modular design supporting both benchtop operation and OEM integration into larger microfluidic workstations
• Software-configurable voltage pulse amplitude (0–100 V), duration (1–500 ms), and timing offset relative to droplet arrival
• Robust thermal management enabling stable operation during extended multi-hour screening runs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Dropix system supports aqueous phase volumes ranging from 30 nL to >500 nL per droplet, accommodating a broad range of biological and chemical reagents—including mammalian cells, bacterial suspensions, protein solutions, crystallization screens, and organic-solvent-tolerant reaction mixtures. Chip substrates are fabricated from cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) or glass, ensuring low autofluorescence, chemical inertness, and compatibility with sterilization protocols (e.g., UV-Ozone, ethanol wash). The platform adheres to ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing practices for medical device–adjacent instrumentation and supports GLP-compliant data traceability when paired with Dolomite’s LogiCal software suite. All electrical components comply with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment.

Software & Data Management

Dropix is operated via Dolomite’s LogiCal Control Software—a Windows-based application offering intuitive graphical workflow configuration, real-time monitoring of electrode status and trigger events, and timestamped logging of all coalescence commands. The software exports structured CSV logs containing droplet ID, merge time, voltage parameters, and external sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, fluorescence intensity), enabling direct import into analysis environments such as Python (Pandas), MATLAB, or KNIME. Audit trails include operator ID, session start/end timestamps, and configuration versioning—fully compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed in regulated environments. Remote operation and API access (RESTful endpoints) are available for integration into centralized LIMS or robotic liquid handling ecosystems.

Applications

• Cell-based assays: Merging droplets containing single cells with reagent-laden carriers for functional phenotyping, CRISPR screening readouts, or cytokine secretion profiling
• Protein crystallization: Sequential addition of precipitant and additive solutions to nucleation droplets to explore multi-dimensional crystallization space
• Directed evolution: Coupling gene library encapsulation with enzymatic activity reporters via timed coalescence, enabling phenotype–genotype linkage in emulsion compartments
• Combinatorial chemistry: Executing multi-step synthesis cascades (e.g., Suzuki coupling followed by deprotection) inside merged droplets without cross-contamination
• Multi-analyte detection: Integrating on-chip merging with fluorescence, absorbance, or Raman readout modules for multiplexed endpoint or kinetic analysis

FAQ

What droplet generation systems are compatible with Dropix?
Dropix is fully interoperable with Dolomite’s Mitos Syringe Pump systems, Flow Control Units, and third-party pressure-driven controllers that support TTL synchronization signals.
Can Dropix perform sequential merging of more than two droplets?
Yes—via precisely timed electrode activation sequences, Dropix supports serial merging of up to five discrete droplets within a single microchannel segment.
Is chip cleaning and reuse supported?
COC-based chips are intended for single-use in biological applications; glass chips may be cleaned and reused following validated protocols involving sonication in isopropanol and plasma treatment.
Does Dropix require specialized training for operation?
Basic operation requires minimal training; however, optimization of coalescence efficiency for novel reagent combinations benefits from microfluidics fundamentals and is supported by Dolomite’s application engineering team.
How is system performance validated prior to deployment?
Each unit undergoes factory calibration using fluorescently labeled droplets and high-speed imaging verification of merge fidelity, with documentation provided in the Certificate of Conformance.