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.

Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.

Provided is a method for producing a nanoparticle having a uniform particle diameter. A method for producing a nanoparticle comprising an amphiphilic block polymer, the method comprising: with use of a nanoparticle production device that includes: a polymer solution supply channel Cp; an aqueous liquid supply channel Cw1, Cw2; a junction J of the channels; a nanoparticle formation channel Cn; and a nanoparticle-containing liquid outlet On, supplying a solution of a polymer and an aqueous liquid to the junction J; forming a nanoparticle while bringing a laminar flow of the polymer solution and a laminar flow of the aqueous liquid into contact with each other; obtaining a liquid containing the formed nanoparticle from the nanoparticle-containing liquid outlet; and controlling a particle diameter of the nanoparticle by measuring a statistic of the particle diameter of the formed nanoparticle in real time, and by controlling at least one of an amount of the polymer solution supplied to the junction and an amount of the aqueous liquid supplied to the junction such that the statistic becomes a desired value.

A catalytic reactor is provided comprising a plurality of first flow channels including a catalyst for a first reaction; a plurality of second flow channels arranged alternately with the first flow channels; adjacent first and second flow channels being separated by a divider plate (13a, 13b), and a distributed temperature sensor such as an optical fibre cable (19). The distributed temperature sensor may be located within the divider plate, or within one or 10 more of the flow channels.

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.

A fluid processing assembly includes a lumen for receiving at least one inlet stream and dispensing a primary product stream, and an energizing device for supplying energy to an energizable portion of the lumen. A primary product collection assembly is in fluid communication with the lumen for receiving the primary product stream. The energizable portion is positioned exterior to the primary product collection assembly. A pressurized gas source is downstream of the lumen. The pressurized gas source supplies pressurized gas to the primary product collection assembly for pressurizing at least a portion of the primary product collection assembly and the lumen.

According to some aspects, described herein is an automated droplet-based reactor that utilizes oscillatory motion of a droplet in a tubular reactor under inert atmosphere. In some cases, such a reactor may address current shortcomings of continuous multi-phase flow platforms.

Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.

Various examples are provided related to nanoparticle synthesis. In one example, a system includes a self-driven fluidics platform including a chemical handling module and a reactor module. A mixer can form an initial mixture and deliver it through the ejector port as part of a segmented flow. The reactor module can control environmental conditions during synthesis of a nanoparticle. A flow reactor includes a channel that allows the segmented flow to move through the flow reactor via the channel and at least one observation window to enable real-time characterization of nanoparticles in individual droplets in the segmented flow through the flow reactor. In another example, a method comprises forming and flowing a segmented flow of droplets into a reactor, measuring a target property of nanoparticles in droplets in the segmented flow, and adjusting formation of droplets added to the segmented flow based upon the measured target property.

Disclosed herein are chemical actuators and ionic motive force transducers. The actuators and transducers are capable of converting an electrical stimulus into an ionic gradient within a reaction volume.