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Microfluidic devices and methods of use thereof

  • US 20080014589A1
  • Filed: 05/11/2007
  • Published: 01/17/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2006
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. A method of pairing sample fluids to form a droplet or nanoreactor comprising:

  • a) providing a microfluidic substrate comprising at least two inlet channels adapted to carry at least two dispersed phase sample fluids and at least one main channel adapted to carry at least one continuous phase fluid;

    b) flowing a first sample fluid through a first inlet channel which is in fluid communication with said main channel at a junction, wherein said junction comprises a first fluidic nozzle designed for flow focusing such that said first sample fluid forms a plurality of highly uniform, monodisperse droplets of a first size in said continuous phase;

    c) flowing a second sample fluid through a second inlet channel which is in fluid communication with said main channel at a junction, wherein said junction comprises a second fluidic nozzle designed for flow focusing such that said second sample fluid forms a plurality of highly uniform, monodisperse droplets of a second size in said continuous phase, wherein the size of the droplets of the second sample fluid are smaller than the size of the droplets of the first sample fluid;

    d) providing a flow and droplet formation rate of the first and second sample fluids wherein the droplets are interdigitized such that a first sample fluid droplet is followed by and paired with a second sample fluid droplet;

    e) providing channel dimensions such that the paired first sample fluid and the second sample fluid droplet are brought into proximity;

    f) coalescing the paired first and second sample droplets as the paired droplets pass through an electric field, thereby producing a droplet or nanoreactor.

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