A device (10), for receiving fluid, having a block (12) which comprises: a chamber (14) comprising a top and a bottom; and a chamber outlet (20) at the bottom of the chamber (14). The block (12) further comprises a magnetic stirrer (30) suspended in the chamber (14), wherein the magnetic stirrer (30) terminates above the bottom of the chamber (14), and is rotatably supported inside the chamber (14). The block (12) further comprises a microchannel (26) fluidly connected to the chamber (14) via the chamber outlet (20). The microchannel (26) may be fluidly connected to a downstream reservoir (24), and an upstream reservoir (22). The device (10) is suited for mixing a bead/cell suspension and an oil-based fluid in the microchannel (26) such that they form an emulsion which comprises a plurality of droplets, wherein at least one of the droplets encapsulates a bead/cell.

The disclosure provides compositions and methods for reducing fouling of a surface in contact with a medium during a natural gas processing procedure. Methods may include adding a composition to the medium, wherein the medium includes an inorganic particle, an organic particle, and/or an inorganic-organic particle, and the composition includes a surfactant. The surfactant may encapsulate the particle. The surfactant may include, for example, a phthalate ester, a naphthalate ester, a tall oil fatty acid, a soya oil fatty acid, sunflower oil fatty acid, canola oil fatty acid, coconut oil fatty acid, cyrene, a trigylceride, or any combination thereof.

The disclosure provides compositions and methods for reducing fouling of a surface in contact with a medium during a natural gas processing procedure. Methods may include adding a composition to the medium, wherein the medium includes an inorganic particle, an organic particle, and/or an inorganic-organic particle, and the composition includes a surfactant. The surfactant may encapsulate the particle. The surfactant may include, for example, a phthalate ester, a naphthalate ester, a tall oil fatty acid, a soya oil fatty acid, sunflower oil fatty acid, canola oil fatty acid, coconut oil fatty acid, cyrene, a trigylceride, or any combination thereof.