AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING MICROCONTAINERS

摘要

An apparatus for fabricating microcontainers, the apparatus comprising: a mixer configured to contain a liquid and having a plurality of zones, the plurality of zones comprising: a reaction zone configured to contain a solution of an etching agent and a plurality of hollow glass beads for etching of the hollow glass beads therein; a sinking zone below and in fluid connection with the reaction zone and configured to allow separation of etched hollow glass beads from intact hollow glass beads therein by sinking of the etched hollow glass beads; and a collection zone below and in fluid connection with the sinking zone and configured to collect the etched hollow glass beads therein while minimizing over-etching in the collection zone.