An improved microreactor for use in microscopy, use of said microreactor, and a microscope comprising said reactor. The present invention is in the field of microscopy, specifically in the field of electron and focused ion beam microscopy (EM and FIB), and in particular Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). However its application is extendable in principle to any field of microscopy, especially wherein characteristics of a (solid) specimen (or sample) are studied in detail, such as during a reaction.

The disclosure relates to microchemical (or microfluidic) apparatus as well as related methods for making the same. The methods generally include partial sintering of sintering powder (e.g., binderless or otherwise free-flowing sintering powder) that encloses a fugitive phase material having a shape corresponding to a desired cavity structure in the formed apparatus. Partial sintering removes the fugitive phase and produces a porous compact, which can then be machined if desired and then further fully sintered to form the final apparatus. The process can produce apparatus with small, controllable cavities shaped as desired for various microchemical or microfluidic unit operations, with a generally smooth interior cavity finish, and with materials (e.g., ceramics) able to withstand harsh environments for such unit operations.

The present disclosure is directed towards improved systems and methods for large-scale production of nanoparticles used for delivery of therapeutic material. The apparatus can be used to manufacture a wide array of nanoparticles containing therapeutic material including, but not limited to, lipid nanoparticles and polymer nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, continuous flow operation and parallelization of microfluidic mixers contribute to increased nanoparticle production volume.

An apparatus includes a substrate having a recess and a multitude of particles arranged in the recess. A first portion of the particles is joined to a porous structure by means of a coating. A second portion of the particles is not joined by means of the coating. The first portion of the particles is arranged closer to an opening of the recess than the second portion of the particles so that a leaking of the second portion of the particles from the recess through the opening is prevented.

An apparatus and method for enhancing the yield and purity of hydrogen when reforming hydrocarbons is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including receiving a hydrocarbon feedstock fuel (e.g., methane, vaporized methanol, natural gas, vaporized diesel, etc.) and steam at a reaction zone and reacting the hydrocarbon feedstock fuel and steam in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is selectively removed from the reaction zone while the reaction is occurring by selectively diffusing the hydrogen gas through a porous ceramic membrane. The selective removal of hydrogen changes the equilibrium of the reaction and increases the amount of hydrogen that is extracted from the hydrocarbon feedstock fuel.

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 method of forming complex structures in a ceramic-, glass- or glass-ceramic-body microfluidic module is disclosed including the steps of providing at green-state refractory- material structure (140) comprising least a portion of a body of a microfluidic module, providing a removeable insert (120) formed of a carbon or of a carbonaceous material having an external surface comprising a negative surface (122) of a desired surface to be formed in the microfluidic module, machining an opening (132) in the green-state structure (140), positioning the insert (120) in the opening (132), firing the green-state structure (140) and the insert (120) together, and after firing is complete, removing the insert (120). The insert (120) is desirably a screw or screw shape, such that interior threads are formed thereby. The insert (120) desirably comprises graphite, and the structure desirably comprises ceramic, desirably silicon carbide.

A chemical synthesis device that can easily control the temperature of a fluid in a channel is provided. An embodiment of a chemical synthesis device according to the invention includes a substrate provided with a first channel in which a plurality of fluids are subjected to a chemical synthesis and a second channel for controlling a temperature of the fluids flowing through the first channel.

A conductive micro-channel structure includes a layer having layer edges and an electrode having first and second portions formed in or under the layer. One or more fluid micro-channels are formed in the layer, expose the first portion of the electrode, and extend to a layer edge to form a fluid port. A conductor micro-channel includes a solid conductor in the conductor micro-channel. The solid conductor is electrically conductive, is electrically connected to the second portion of the electrode, and extends from the second portion to a layer edge to form a conductor port.

A microfluidic device for performing physical, chemical or biological treatment to at least one packet without contamination.