Systems and methods for mixing reactants

A method for mixing a first reactant and a second reactant comprising:

• providing a microfabricated elastomeric structure having a chamber therein;
• introducing the first reactant into the chamber;
• introducing a volume of the second reactant into the first reactant in the chamber, wherein the second reactant is introduced into the chamber by entrapping a volume of the second reactant proximate to the chamber, and then opening an elastomeric valve positioned between the chamber and the second reactant to allow entry of the second reactant into the chamber;
• and,
• obtaining an image of the elastomeric structure.

A method for mixing a first reactant and a second reactant comprising:

• providing a microfabricated elastomeric structure having a chamber therein;
• introducing the first reactant into the chamber and
• introducing a volume of the second reactant into the first reactant in the chamber, wherein the second reactant is introduced into the chamber by entrapping a volume of the second reactant proximate to the chamber, and then opening an elastomeric valve positioned between the chamber and the second reactant to allow entry of the second reactant into the chamber;
• and, inspecting the chamber after introducing the volume of the second reactant into the first reactant.

A system for mixing a first reactant and a second reactant, the system comprising:

• a microfabricated elastomeric structure having a chamber therein;
• a volume of a first reactant contained within the chamber;
• and
• a volume of a second reactant entrapped proximate to the chamber and separated from the chamber by an elastomeric valve,
• wherein, in use, opening of the valve allows mixing of the first reactant and the second reactant.