Microfluidic devices

Abstract

The present invention relates broadly to microfluidic devices, particularly microfluidic devices optimised for the industrial production of nanoparticles such as liposomes. The device (101) comprises a substrate which extends between a distal end (107) comprising an outlet region (105) and a proximal end (108) comprising an inlet region (106). The inlet region comprises two substantially parallel outer channels (103a, 103b) for transport of a first fluid, said outer channels (103a, 103b) defined in part by a first outer wall (109a) and a second outer wall (109b) respectively, and a linear inner channel (104) for transport of a second fluid. The linear channel is disposed between the two substantially parallel outer channels. The outer channels (103a, 103b) and inner channel (104) extend from the proximal end (108) to a mixing chamber (102) which extends from the inlet region (106) to the outlet region (105). The mixing chamber (102) is in flow communication with the inner and outer channels (103a, 103b, 104) to receive the first and second fluids from the inner and outer channels (103a, 103b, 104) and the mixing chamber (102) has a uniform width (W) along its length substantially equal to the width (W1) between the outer walls (109a, 109b) of the two substantially parallel outer channels (103a, 103b).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.