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.

The invention providing methods of loading and unloading particulate from microchannels in apparatus that contains multiple microchannels, typically apparatus that is designed to operate with hundreds or thousands of particulate-containing microchannels. Aligning a sonicating head at one end of a set of microchannels provides a particularly effective mode for densifying particulate in microchannels.

A method of preparing a Metal Organic Framework (MOF), the method comprising (i) depositing a liquid comprising MOF precursors on a surface of a piezoelectric substrate, the MOF precursors comprising a metal ion and an organic ligand, and (ii) applying an electrical input to the piezoelectric substrate to induce propagation of acoustic waves across the piezoelectric substrate, which in turn causes the liquid to form an acoustowetting film on the piezoelectric substrate, within which the MOF precipitates.

Disclosed is a centrifugal microfluidic device comprising a piezoelectric substrate; a rotatable platform device on the substrate; and at least one transducer on the substrate, the transducer being configured to generate a surface acoustic wave that propagates on the surface of the substrate and contacts the rotatable platform device asymmetrically to transfer energy thereto with a lateral distribution to cause rotation of the rotatable platform device. The device may be a microfluidic valve, a microfluidic mixer or a microfluidic particle concentrator.

A system for spraying particles onto a substrate, including: at least one reactor including at least one inlet for liquid reagents, a reaction zone, and a zone for collection of the particles produced from the liquid reagents in the reaction zone; a dispensing device allowing the particles to be sprayed onto the substrate; and a mechanism guiding the particles from the collection zone towards the dispensing device.

The present invention generally relates to the manipulation of fluids using acoustic waves such as surface acoustic waves. In some aspects, one fluid may be introduced into another fluid via application of suitable acoustic waves. For example, a fluid may be added or injected into another fluid by applying acoustic waves where, in the absence of the acoustic waves, the fluid cannot be added or injected, e.g., due to the interface or surface tension between the fluids. Thus, for example, a fluid may be injected into a droplet of another fluid. Other embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems and methods for making or using such systems, kits involving such systems, or the like.

The present invention provides a spring tube type flexible micro chemical reactor. It comprises a reactor body, a thermal control device, and a gas generating device. The spring tube type flexible micro chemical reactor enhances the heat and mass transfer using the scroll spring tube, which is able to achieve accurate mixing and dynamic adjustment of the heat and mass transfer and is able to effectively solve the problems of blocking of channels by solid reactant, the poor portability of the reaction, etc.

The present invention provides a spring tube type flexible micro chemical reactor. It comprises a reactor body, a thermal control device, and a gas generating device. The spring tube type flexible micro chemical reactor enhances the heat and mass transfer using the scroll spring tube, which is able to achieve accurate mixing and dynamic adjustment of the heat and mass transfer and is able to effectively solve the problems of blocking of channels by solid reactant, the poor portability of the reaction, etc.

A method of loading material within a microchannel device, the method comprising: (a) loading particulates into a plurality of microchannels; and, (b) ultrasonically packing the particulates into the plurality of microchannels using a portable, compact ultrasonic densification unit.

A method of loading material within a microchannel device, the method comprising: (a) loading particulates into a plurality of microchannels; and, (b) ultrasonically packing the particulates into the plurality of microchannels using a portable, compact ultrasonic densification unit.