Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a block having at least one reservoir, a base layer attached to the bottom of the block and a microfluidic channel formed in the base layer or at the interface between the block and base layer. The microfluidic channel is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir. A static pressure source is operatively coupleable to the reservoir. A flow path extends from the reservoir to the microfluidic channel. The flow path has a first portion which extends upwardly away from the base layer over a barrier and into a second portion which extends downwardly towards the base layer and leads to the microfluidic channel. The flow path is configured such that it prevents flow from the reservoir to the microfluidic channel under the influence of gravity alone when the reservoir is filled to a level below the level of the top of the barrier.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a block having at least one reservoir, a base layer attached to the bottom of the block and a microfluidic channel formed in the base layer or at the interface between the block and base layer. The microfluidic channel is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir. A static pressure source is operatively coupleable to the reservoir. A flow path extends from the reservoir to the microfluidic channel. The flow path has a first portion which extends upwardly away from the base layer over a barrier and into a second portion which extends downwardly towards the base layer and leads to the microfluidic channel. The flow path is configured such that it prevents flow from the reservoir to the microfluidic channel under the influence of gravity alone when the reservoir is filled to a level below the level of the top of the barrier.

Abstract: 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.