Scale-up of microfluidic devices

Abstract

Parallel uses of microfluidic methods and devices for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid are described. In some aspects, the present invention relates generally to flow-focusing-type technology, and also to microfluidics, and more particularly parallel use of microfluidic systems arranged to control a dispersed phase within a dispersant, and the size, and size distribution, of a dispersed phase in a multi-phase fluid system, and systems for delivery of fluid components to multiple such devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 introducing a subject fluid into an inlet of a channel; and   expelling separate portions of the subject fluid from a plurality of microfluidic outlets each fluidly connected to the inlet, simultaneously, while surrounding at least one of the separate portions of the subject fluid at least in part with a dispersing fluid.   
     
     
         2 - 78 . (canceled)