A method of separating a plurality of particles (14) from a portion of fluid, comprising directing the plurality of particles (14) into a microchannel (12). A first portion (16) of particles (14) is focused into an equilibrium position in the microchannel (12). The focused first portion (16) is directed into a first outlet (18) aligned with the equilibrium position. A portion of the fluid is directed into one or more outlets (20, 22). A microfluidic device (10) for separating a plurality of particles (14) from a portion of fluid, comprising a microchannel (12) having a first aspect ratio and a length L, thereby focusing the particles (14) directed therein into an equilibrium position in the microchannel, wherein at least a first portion (16) of the particles (14) focuses at distance X from a beginning of the microchannel (12). A first outlet (18) disposed after distance X and aligned with the equilibrium position to receive at least the first portion (16) of the particles (14) after the first portion (16) focuses into an equilibrium position in the microchannel (12). At least a second outlet (20) for receiving a second portion of the particles (14) before the second portion focuses into an equilibrium position.

Apparatus for manufacturing particles has at least one reactor and a method for manufacturing particles using the same. A first reactor has a hollow main body extending in the lengthwise direction, first and second raw material inlets formed at the one side end of the main body, a reactant outlet formed at the other side end of the main body, and a mixer formed inside the main body to mix materials fed from the first and second raw material inlets. A second reactor of the apparatus connected to one side of the first reactor has a non-revolving hollow cylinder extending in the lengthwise direction, a revolving body extending in the lengthwise direction, a driver portion, a reactant inlet formed on the outer circumference at one side end of the cylinder and connected to the reactant outlet of the first reactor.

A method of separating a plurality of particles (14) from a portion of fluid, comprising directing the plurality of particles (14) into a microchannel (12). A first portion (16) of particles (14) is focused into an equilibrium position in the microchannel (12). The focused first portion (16) is directed into a first outlet (18) aligned with the equilibrium position. A portion of the fluid is directed into one or more outlets (20, 22). A microfluidic device (10) for separating a plurality of particles (14) from a portion of fluid, comprising a microchannel (12) having a first aspect ratio and a length L, thereby focusing the particles (14) directed therein into an equilibrium position in the microchannel, wherein at least a first portion (16) of the particles (14) focuses at distance X from a beginning of the microchannel (12). A first outlet (18) disposed after distance X and aligned with the equilibrium position to receive at least the first portion (16) of the particles (14) after the first portion (16) focuses into an equilibrium position in the microchannel (12). At least a second outlet (20) for receiving a second portion of the particles (14) before the second portion focuses into an equilibrium position.

Systems and methods are disclosed for synthesizing one or more simple alcohols from mixtures including organic acids, water, and a superparamagnetic catalyst exposed to fluctuating magnetic fields under ambient conditions.

The present invention relates to a carbon nanotube preparation method and system, which may improve the overall efficiency and economic feasibility of a reaction by collecting fine particles including carbon nanotube particles that have not grown enough and an unreacted catalyst produced during and after the reaction by using a separator at the exterior of a fluidized bed reactor, and then, injecting the fine particles as a bed prior to a subsequent cycle.

A method of using a fluidics apparatus for lysing a cell. In the method, the cell is placed in a fluid sample contacting a substrate surface. The method further includes providing surface acoustic waves (SAWs) at the substrate surface, causing cell lyses.

A general-purpose software-reconfigurable chemical process system useful in a wide range of applications is disclosed. Embodiments may include software control of internal processes, automated provisions for cleaning internal elements with solvents, provisions for clearing and drying gasses, and multitasking operation. In one family of embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable Lab-on-a-Chip or embedded chemical processor is realized that can facilitate a wide range of applications, instruments, and appliances. Through use of a general architecture, a single design can be economically manufactured in large scale and readily adapted to diverse specialized applications. Clearing and cleaning provisions may be used to facilitate reuse of the device, or may be used for decontamination prior to recycling or non-reclaimed disposal. In other embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable laboratory glassware setup may be realized, sparing talented laboratory staff from repetitive, complex, or low-level tasks occurring in analysis, synthesis, or small-scale chemical manufacturing.

Microfluidic methods and systems are provided for continuous flow synthesis and active loading of liposomes, which include a liposome formation region configured to form a population of liposomes and a microdialysis region downstream from the liposome formation region and configured to form a transmembrane gradient for active drug loading of the liposomes. Microfluidic methods and systems for high throughput production of liposomes are also provided featuring high aspect ratio microchannels.

HPLC-based quality control systems to perform quality control testing on a radiopharmaceutical solution shortly after synthesis. An HPLC-based quality control system makes efficient use of sample volume and is compatible with a variety of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceutical compounds. In several embodiments, the automated nature of an HPLC-based quality control system allows for quality control tests to be conducted quickly and with minimal impact on user workflow. When used as part of an integrated PET biomarker radiopharmaceutical production system, the present general inventive concept permits a manufacturer to produce product and conduct quality control tests with lower per dose costs.

Systems and methods for software-reconfigurable chemical process systems useful in a wide range of applications. Embodiments may include software control of internal processes, automated provisions for cleaning internal elements with solvents, provisions for clearing and drying gasses, and multitasking operation. In one family of embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable Lab-on-a-Chip or embedded chemical processor is realized that can facilitate a wide range of applications, instruments, and appliances. Through use of a general architecture, a single design can be economically manufactured in large scale and readily adapted to diverse specialized applications. Clearing and cleaning provisions may be used to facilitate reuse of the device, or may be used for decontamination prior to recycling or non-reclaimed disposal. In other embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable laboratory glassware setup may be realized, sparing talented laboratory staff from repetitive, complex, or low-level tasks occurring in analysis, synthesis, or smallscale chemical manufacturing.