Devices and methods using fluid-transporting features with differing residence times

摘要

A fluidic device (10) is provided that includes a plurality of fluid-transporting features (19) extending from a common inlet (46) to a common outlet (48) and a means for effecting fluid flow through the fluid-transporting features (19). The features (19) are associated with differing fluid dwell times. The means for effecting fluid flow cooperates with the fluid-transporting features (19) to merge fluids from the fluid-transporting features (19) in a manner effective to produce an output stream from the common outlet (48) that exhibits at least one desired characteristic generated as a result of the differing dwell times. Also provided is a method for producing a fluid stream exhibiting at least one desired characteristic. Optionally, the device (10) and/or method are used in microfluidic applications.