Abstract: A method for forming monodisperse lipoplex assemblies includes providing a microfluidic device having a main microfluidic channel coupled to first and second reactant inlet channels. The first inlet channel is used to deliver a cationic lipid to the main channel while the second channel is used to deliver a nucleic acid. A droplet generation zone is provided in the main channel at the intersection of first and second carrier channels that contain a hydrophobic fluid. The cationic lipid, nucleic acid, and the hydrophobic fluid are then pumped through the device. In the droplet generation zone, shear force from the hydrophobic fluid pinches off droplets. The cationic lipid and nucleic acid are mixed in the generated droplets as the droplets move within a mixing region. A plurality of splitting channels may be coupled to the outlet of the device to produce smaller, monodisperse droplets having picoliter volumes.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample includes a microfluidic device having a droplet generation region for forming a plurality of droplets, the droplet generation region being operatively coupled to a sample inlet coupled to a sample source, a molecular beacon inlet coupled to a source of molecular beacon material configured to hybridize to the target nucleic acid sequence, and a source of carrier material on opposing sides of the droplet generation region. Each droplet generated in the microfluidic device includes sample material and molecular beacon material. After generation, the droplets pass to a downstream mixing channel coupled to the droplet generation region. The system further includes an optical system configured to detect fluorescent emissions from droplets flowing in the mixing channel The presence of fluorescence is indicative of the presence of the target nucleic acid sequence within the sample.

Abstract: A method for forming monodisperse lipoplex assemblies includes providing a microfluidic device having a main microfluidic channel coupled to first and second reactant inlet channels. The first inlet channel is used to deliver a cationic lipid to the main channel while the second channel is used to deliver a nucleic acid. A droplet generation zone is provided in the main channel at the intersection of first and second carrier channels that contain a hydrophobic fluid. The cationic lipid, nucleic acid, and the hydrophobic fluid are then pumped through the device. In the droplet generation zone, shear force from the hydrophobic fluid pinches off droplets. The cationic lipid and nucleic acid are mixed in the generated droplets as the droplets move within a mixing region. A plurality of splitting channels may be coupled to the outlet of the device to produce smaller, monodisperse droplets having picoliter volumes.