Scale-up of microfluidic devices

摘要

Parallel uses of microfluidic methods and devices for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid are described. In some aspects, the present invention relates generally to flow-focusing-type technology, and also to microfluidics, and more particularly parallel use of microfluidic systems arranged to control a dispersed phase within a dispersant, and the size, and size distribution, of a dispersed phase in a multi-phase fluid system, and systems for delivery of fluid components to multiple such devices.

主权项

1. A method for forming droplets in a microfluidic device in parallel, comprising:
(a) providing a microfluidic device that comprises:
(i) a plurality of subject fluid channels;(ii) a dispersing fluid distribution channel connecting a source of dispersing fluid to a plurality of dispersing fluid outlets, wherein each of the plurality of dispersing fluid outlets is directly fluidly connected to a different microfluidic interconnected region of a separate subject fluid channel; and(iii) one or more downstream channels fluidly connected to each of the microfluidic interconnected regions; (b) directing subject fluids through the plurality of subject fluid channels to the microfluidic interconnected regions; and (c) directing dispersing fluid through the dispersing fluid distribution channel to the microfluidic interconnected regions fluidly coupled thereto, to form droplets of subject fluids in a stream of dispersing fluid in the one or more downstream channels.