Droplet and Digital Microfluidics : Ideation to Implementation

Droplet and Digital Microfluidics: Ideation to Implementation is a detailed introduction to the dynamics of droplet and digital microfluidics, also featuring coverage of new methods and applications. The explosion of applications of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) in recent years has driven demand for expertise and innovation in fluid flow in the microchannels they contain. In this book, detailed descriptions of methods for biological and chemical applications of microfluidics are provided, along with supporting foundational knowledge. In addition, the principles of droplet and digital microfluidics are explained, along with their different applications and governing physics.

New additions to the technological knowledgebase that enable advances in droplet and digital microfluidics include machine learning and exciting future avenues for research.

• Provides step-by-step fabrication, testing, and characterization instructions in each chapter to support implementation
• Includes explanations of applications and methods in biological and chemical settings
• Describes the path to automation of digital and droplet microfluidic platforms

Sanket Goel did BSc (H) Physics from the Ramjas College, Delhi University; MSc (Physics) from IIT Delhi; PhD (Electrical and Computer Engineering) from University of Alberta, Canada in 1998, 2000, and 2005 respectively. Since 2015, as a Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at Hyderabad Campus of BITS Pilani, Sanket was Head of the Department during 2017-2020, and Dean (Research and Innovation) across campuses of BITS Pilani (2022-2025). His cross-disciplinary team encompasses several faculty members, 5 postdocs, 37 co-supervised PhD scholars (plus 35 completed) and interns. His team is implementing several grants from Indian and International agencies, industry and philanthropic bodies. He has published 5 books and >400 papers (including >300 journals papers), filed/granted >90 patents and commercialized 4 technologies. He co-founded 3 deep-tech startups, and his few technologies have been co-developed and transferred to industry. Earlier, he led the R&D department at UPES, Dehradun (2011-2015), was a PI with ASTAR, Singapore (2008- 20011), postdoc at Stanford University (2006-2008), scientist at DEBEL-DRDO (2006) and Institute of Plasma Research (2000-2001). Sanket has won several awards including National Awards for Teachers (2025), IEEE India Council’s Technologist of the Year Award (2025), Birla Chair Professorship (2025), IEEE India Council’s Startup of the Year Award (2024), JSPS Fellowship (2021), BITS Pilani Best Faculty Award (2021) and Fulbright fellowship (2015).

Currently, he is the Birla Chair Professor and Head of Semiconductor CoE (CREST) at BITS Pilani, Distinguished Lecturer of IEEE Sensors Council and in editorial teams of several leading journals.

Sohan completed his Doctoral Degree from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus in the field of Bio-MEMS. During his doctoral program, Sohan worked on microfluidic cardiac cell culture systems and developing cardiac biomarker assessment systems. Prior to his doctoral program, Sohan completed an extra credit program with Hiroshima University. Sohan also holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus and a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Manipal University Jaipur. Sohan holds wide exposure to interdisciplinary technology development with his previous work in the fields of metal oxide nanostructure coatings, microfluidic water and soil assessment systems, PCR diagnostic devices and point-of-care diagnostics