Microreactor

Abstract

Chemical and biological reactors, including microreactors, are provided. Exemplary reactors include a plurality of reactors operable in parallel, where each reactor has a small volume and, together, the reactors produce a large volume of product. Reaction systems can include mixing chambers, heating/dispersion units, reaction chambers, and separation units. Components of the reactors can be readily formed from a variety of materials. For example, they can be etched from silicon. Components are connectable to and separable from each other to form a variety of types of reactors, and the reactors can be attachable to and separable from each other to add significant flexibility in parallel and/or series reactor operation.

1 - 48 . (canceled) 
   
   
       49 . A system for cultivating cells in culture, comprising:
 a chemical or biochemical reactor comprising a plastic substrate, and comprising:   a first fluid pathway connecting a first inlet and a first outlet, the first fluid pathway comprising a chamber constructed and arranged to cultivate cells in culture, and at least one microchannel;   a second fluid pathway connecting a second inlet and a second outlet, the second fluid pathway comprising at least one microchannel; and   a membrane defining a boundary between a portion of the first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway.   
   
   
       50 . The system of  claim 49 , wherein the chamber has a volume of less than 100 microliters. 
   
   
       51 . The system of  claim 49 , wherein the chamber is fabricated in the surface of the substrate. 
   
   
       52 . The system of  claim 49 , wherein the chamber has a surface adapted for immobilization of cells. 
   
   
       53 . The system of  claim 49 , further comprising at least one sensor of temperature, pH, oxygen concentration, or pressure. 
   
   
       54 . The system of  claim 49 , including a plurality of chambers constructed and arranged to operate in parallel. 
   
   
       55 . The system of  claim 54 , comprising at least 10 chambers constructed to operate in parallel. 
   
   
       56 . The system of  claim 49 , wherein the membrane is a size-selective membrane. 
   
   
       57 . The system of  claim 49 , wherein the membrane is a size-selective membrane.