Abstract: The present invention generally relates to chemical, biological, and/or biochemical reactor chips and other reaction systems such as microreactor systems, as well as systems and methods for constructing and using such devices. In one aspect, a chip or other reaction system may be constructed so as to promote cell growth within it. In certain embodiments, the chips or other reaction systems of the invention include one or more reaction sites. The reaction sites can be very small, for example, with a volume of less than about 1 ml. In one aspect of the invention, a chip is able to detect, measure and/or control an environmental factor such as the temperature, pressure, CO2 concentration, O2 concentration, relative humidity, pH, etc. associated with one or more reaction sites, by using one or more sensors, actuators, processors, and/or control systems. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to materials and systems having humidity and/or gas control, for example, for use with a chip.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for manipulating chambers and other substrates for chemical, biological, or biochemical samples, such as cell culture and other chambers, within units such as incubators. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a technique for maintaining a plurality of substrates or chambers in a housing within which a predetermined environment is maintained, different from the environment external to the housing, and moving substrates or chambers in and out of the housing, in some cases without creating a large opening in the housing (e.g., by opening a door significantly larger than the substrates). A technique is provided, in certain embodiments, in which a plurality of substrates are mounted in fixed, secured relation to each other within a housing providing a predetermined, controlled environment, and are moved within the housing so that they can be evenly exposed to any differences in environment within the housing.

Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic agent by providing a cross-linked polymer encapsulating the therapeutic agent to a site in a patient. The degradation rate of the cross-linked polymer is correlated with a local concentration of an indicator, and the therapeutic agent is released as the cross-linked polymer degrades.

Abstract: Chemical and biological reactors, including microreactors, are provided. Exemplary reactors include a plurality of reactors operable in parallel, where each reactor has a small volume and, together, the reactors produce a large volume of product. Reaction systems can include mixing chambers, heating/dispersion units, reaction chambers, and separation units. Components of the reactors can be readily formed from a variety of materials. For example, they can be etched from silicon. Components are connectable to and separable from each other to form a variety of types of reactors, and the reactors can be attachable to and separable from each other to add significant flexibility in parallel and/or series reactor operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing particles having a particle size of less than 100 nm and surface areas of at least 20 m2/g where the particles are free from agglomeration. The method involves synthesizing the particles within an emulsion having a 1-40% water content to form reverse micelles. In particular, the particles formed are metal oxide particles. The particles can be used to oxidize hydrocarbons, particularly methane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing particles having a particle size of less than 100 nm and surface areas of at least 20 m2/g where the particles are free from agglomeration. The method involves synthesizing the particles within an emulsion having a 1-40% water content to form reverse micelles. In particular, the particles formed are metal oxide particles. The particles can be used to oxidize hydrocarbons, particularly methane.