| abstract |
A process for the chemical manipulation of liquid and gel microdroplets is disclosed. The process involves providing first microdroplets having aqueous interiors, such that the first microdroplets are surrounded by a non-aqueous fluid. The aqueous interior chemical composition of the first microdroplets is then manipulated by exposure to compounds soluble in both the non-aqueous and aqueous phases, or by exposure to emulsions or suspensions of second microdroplets such that contact between the first and second microdroplets is made. This allows chemical manipulation to be accomplished without removing the first microdroplets from a non-aqueous fluid environment. |