The invention comprises a novel modular, generalizable meso-micro-nano-fluidic platform apparatus, design and methodology which in exemplary embodiments may be applied in conjunction with a novel external triggering and automation/feedback loop control mechanism deployed via computer to explore the phase space of single or double emulsification for applications including the encapsulation of hydrophilic active pharmacological ingredients (APIs). End use applications include the mass production of particulate encapsulation of hydrophobic or hydrophilic APIs with automatic or user-supervised feedback methodology to control and discover mass production or per-drug customized settings of interest for the manufacture of novel or extant therapeutics. This invention allows for a process to produce monodispersed particles of varying sizes and may be used to rapidly screen for optimal size for maximal bioavailability of API particles either on lab bench for in vitro dissolution or in vivo studies, and patient-specific handhelds for maximal drug inhalation.

A method and an apparatus for producing various types of microdroplets are provided. The apparatus has a cross intersection portion 7 at which a first continuous phase 2, a first dispersion phase 4, and a second dispersion phase 6 intersect with each other; a first liquid feed device 12 controlling the first dispersion phase 4; a second liquid feed device 13 controlling the second dispersion phase 6; and a control device 11 connected to the first liquid feed device 12 and the second liquid feed device 13, in which the first liquid feed device 12 and the second liquid feed device 13 are controlled by a signal from the control device 11 so that microdroplets 9 formed of the first dispersion phase 4 and microdroplets 10 formed of the second dispersion phase 6 are sequentially produced.

An apparatus for mass producing monodisperse microbubbles contains a microfluidic flow focusing device. The microfluidic flow focusing device includes a dispersed phase fluid supply channel having an outlet that discharges into a flow focusing junction, a continuous phase fluid supply channel having an outlet that discharges into the flow focusing junction, and a bubble formation channel having an inlet disposed at the flow focusing junction. The configuration of the flow focusing junction is such that, in operation, a flow of dispersed phase fluid discharging from the outlet of the dispersed phase fluid supply channel is engageable in co-flow by a focusing flow of continuous phase fluid discharging from the outlet of the at least one continuous phase fluid supply channel under formation of a gradually thinning jet of dispersed phase fluid that extends into the inlet of the bubble formation channel.

The present disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods for flow focusing in a microfluidic device. Flow focusing may be used in detection of objects, for example cells, in a stream of fluid passing through a fluidic device. The systems and devices may comprise a flow channel positioned between two sheath channels configured to direct fluid across the flow channel. Flow focusing microfluidic systems and devices disclosed herein may be robust to alignment errors. Systems and devices of the present disclosure may reduce the displacement of flow from the intended locations due to alignment errors. Also disclosed herein are methods for using such microfluidic systems and devices.

The present invention generally relates to droplet libraries and to systems and methods for the formation of libraries of droplets. The present invention also relates to methods utilizing these droplet libraries in various biological, chemical, or diagnostic assays.

The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising genetic elements into microcapsules; and (b) sorting the genetic elements which express the gene product having the desired activity; wherein at least one step is under microfluidic control. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.

The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the subset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number.

Nozzle Assemblies and methods of use for producing a liquid jet are disclosed that may be permit adjustable time delays between mixing of fluids and observation of reactions. An example nozzle assembly includes: a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a first channel defined therebetween, where the housing includes a gas focusing aperture defining the housing outlet; an intermediate tube disposed within the first channel of the housing, where the intermediate tube has an inlet and an outlet and defines a second channel therebetween; and a central tube disposed within the second channel of the intermediate tube, where the central tube has an inlet and an outlet and defines a third channel therebetween, where the central tube outlet is longitudinally spaced apart from the intermediate tube outlet such that the intermediate tube outlet is disposed between the central tube outlet and the gas focusing aperture's inlet.

The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the subset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for serial flow emulsion processes. Systems and methods as described herein can result in reduced cross-contamination, greater accuracy and precision, less expensive materials and processes, decreased run times, and/or other advantages, e.g., through use of improved injectors, partitioners, detectors, and/or other elements useful in serial flow emulsion systems and processes.