| abstract |
A method for forming monodisperse lipoplex assemblies includes providing a microfluidic device having a main microfluidic channel coupled to first and second reactant inlet channels. The first inlet channel is used to deliver a cationic lipid to the main channel while the second channel is used to deliver a nucleic acid. A droplet generation zone is provided in the main channel at the intersection of first and second carrier channels that contain a hydrophobic fluid. The cationic lipid, nucleic acid, and the hydrophobic fluid are then pumped through the device. In the droplet generation zone, shear force from the hydrophobic fluid pinches off droplets. The cationic lipid and nucleic acid are mixed in the generated droplets as the droplets move within a mixing region. A plurality of splitting channels may be coupled to the outlet of the device to produce smaller, monodisperse droplets having picoliter volumes. |