Abstract: An apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a liquid dispenser comprising a liquid outlet, the liquid dispenser being configured to generate a droplet stream. The apparatus also comprises a first fluid flow device configured to generate a confinement fluid flow for confining a trajectory of the droplet stream therein, the first fluid flow device comprising an outlet arranged to allow the droplet stream to exit therefrom, wherein the fluid outlet is arranged within the confinement fluid flow device. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a second fluid flow device configured to generate a reaction fluid flow for reacting with droplets in the droplet stream, wherein the outlet of the first fluid flow device is arranged within the second fluid flow device. A method is also described.

Abstract: Concentric flow focusing encapsulation devices and methods for production of microencapsulated droplets of a first core material surrounded by a second shell material include assessment of non-dimensional fluid dynamic parameters that are related to the characteristics of produced droplets. The parameters are specifically related to characteristics such as homogenous or non-homogenous modes of concentric droplet breakup, density distribution of various droplet sizes, and qualities such as monodispersity of droplets produced. By identifying control parameters in specific regions, control variables may be selected to produce droplets or particles with desired qualities.

Abstract: Concentric flow focusing encapsulation devices and methods for production of microencapsulated droplets of a first core material surrounded by a second shell material include assessment of non-dimensional fluid dynamic parameters that are related to the characteristics of produced droplets. The parameters are specifically related to characteristics such as homogenous or non-homogenous modes of concentric droplet breakup, density distribution of various droplet sizes, and qualities such as monodispersity of droplets produced. By identifying control parameters in specific regions, control variables may be selected to produce droplets or particles with desired qualities.

Abstract: An apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a liquid dispenser comprising a liquid outlet, the liquid dispenser being configured to generate a droplet stream. The apparatus also comprises a first fluid flow device configured to generate a confinement fluid flow for confining a trajectory of the droplet stream therein, the first fluid flow device comprising an outlet arranged to allow the droplet stream to exit therefrom, wherein the fluid outlet is arranged within the confinement fluid flow device. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a second fluid flow device configured to generate a reaction fluid flow for reacting with droplets in the droplet stream, wherein the outlet of the first fluid flow device is arranged within the second fluid flow device. A method is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for obtaining micro and nanometric particles in a controlled, reproducible manner. The aforementioned particles have a spherical shape and a very narrow, uniform size distribution. More specifically, the invention relates to a novel method of forming emulsions and to the application thereof in micro and nanoencapsulation techniques involving the extraction/evaporation of the solvent. In particular, the invention relates to the encapsulation of the fluorescent compounds and the subsequent application thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining micro- and nanometric polymeric particles in a controlled, reproducible manner. The aforementioned particles have a spherical shape and a very narrow, uniform size distribution. The invention comprises the use of an easy particle-forming method consisting in using hydrodynamic forces to focus a composite microjet formed by two concentric fluids and can be used in the encapsulation of fragile compounds of biological interest, from peptides and proteins to cells and micro-organisms.