Handheld Vibrational Droplet Generator: Simple Scalaling Up for Digitalizing Assays

Droplet-based assays have become integral to modern biological research, yet traditional droplet generation techniques often depend on complex and costly microfluidic setups. Here, we introduce a handheld droplet generator leveraging a modified electric toothbrush mechanism, providing a cost-effective, user-friendly, and highly adaptable alternative. This device eliminates the need for intricate infrastructure, reduces reagent waste, and prevents cross-contamination. Droplets of varying sizes and densities are precisely controlled through manual amplitude adjustments, facilitating versatility across multiple scientific applications. Experimental evaluations demonstrated consistent droplet uniformity and reliable performance in digital assays, including colony counting and digital LAMP reactions.