JP2005279523A - Microchannel structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a microchannel structure capable of producing microparticles having such a uniform grain size that the grain size dispersion of the microparticles produced in a channel on the intersection part between a dispersion phase flowing in the microchannel and a continuous phase which intersects the dispersion phase becomes less than 10%. <P>SOLUTION: The microchannel structure is provided with: at least one dispersion phase introducing port and dispersion phase introducing channel which introduce a dispersion phase; at least one continuous phase introducing port and continuous phase introducing channel which introduces a continuous phase; a liquid supply channel to a discharge channel from the intersection part on which the dispersion phase introducing channel and the continuous phase introducing channel intersect each other; and the discharge channel and a discharge port which discharge the microparticles prepared from the dispersion phase according to shear force between the continuous phase and the wall surface of channel on the intersection part and on the neighborhood thereof, on one of branches which are branched at a branching part of the end part on the downstream side of the liquid supply channel, and a sub discharge channel and a sub discharge port which discharge the by-product particles incidentally produced upon the microparticle preparation, on the other branch. Therein, such a microchannel structure that the dispersion phase introducing channel and the continuous phase introducing channel intersect each other on the intersection part at an arbitrary angle is used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to microparticles used in preparative / separation column fillers and microparticles used in microcapsules used in pharmaceuticals, enzyme-containing capsules, cosmetics, fragrances, display / recording materials, adhesives, agricultural chemicals, and the like. The present invention relates to a microchannel structure suitable for generation.

  In recent years, a fluid is introduced into a microchannel using a microchannel structure having a microchannel having a length of about several centimeters on a glass substrate of several cm square and a width and depth of sub-μm to several hundred μm. Research has been attracting attention for the production of microparticles, and the creation of microparticles by introducing two types of liquids with different interfacial tensions into the channel where the intersection of the two types of fluid exists. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1). The microparticles here are solid microparticles, microdroplets, microparticles obtained by curing only the surface of microdroplets (hereinafter referred to as “semi-cured”), and extremely high viscosity. Also includes semi-solid fine particles.

  For example, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Non-Patent Document 1 is a continuous phase inlet port in the substrate (1) as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. (2) a flow path for introducing a continuous phase (hereinafter referred to as a continuous phase introduction flow path (3)), a dispersed phase introduction port (4), a flow path for introducing a dispersed phase (hereinafter referred to as a dispersed phase introduction flow path (5) )), A T-shaped flow path having a flow path (hereinafter referred to as a discharge flow path (7)) and a discharge port (8) for discharging the finely divided dispersed phase in the continuous phase, and a substrate. A flow path surface side of the micro flow channel structure having a cover body joined thereto, with respect to the continuous phase flowing in the micro channel, the dispersed phase is discharged from the dispersed phase supply port in a direction crossing the flow of the continuous phase, Due to the shearing force of the continuous phase, microdroplets having a diameter smaller than the width of the supply channel of the dispersed phase are obtained. Here, the width of the continuous phase introduction flow path which is a microchannel is described as 100 μm in Patent Document 1 and 500 μm in Non-Patent Document 1. In addition, the width of the dispersed phase introduction channel through which the dispersed phase flows is 100 μm in both Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1, and the depth of the continuous phase introduction channel, which is a microchannel, and the dispersed phase introduction channel through which the dispersed phase flows. The depth of both is 100 μm in both Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1. Hereinafter, the portion where the introduced continuous phase and the dispersed phase intersect is hereinafter referred to as the intersection (6). In Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1, the continuous phase introduction flow path is described as a microchannel, but the dispersed phase introduction flow path is not particularly described as a microchannel. When this method is used and liquid feeding is performed by controlling the flow rates of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase, it is possible to generate micro droplets of several hundred μm or less. In addition, it is possible to control the particle size of the fine droplets generated by controlling the flow rates of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase. Regarding the particle diameter of the obtained microdroplets, in Patent Document 1, the liquid feeding pressure of the dispersed phase is fixed to 2.45 kPa, and the liquid feeding pressure of the continuous phase is changed to 4.85 to 5.03 kPa. It is shown that microdroplets with a particle size of ˜25 μm are obtained. Further, in Non-Patent Document 1, microdroplets having a particle size of about 80 μm minimum to about several hundred μm maximum are obtained by changing the liquid feeding pressure of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase in the range of about 20 to about 250 kPa. It is shown.

  However, Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1 described above do not describe at all the particle size distribution (hereinafter referred to as particle size dispersion) of the generated microdroplets. Here, the particle size dispersion is defined as a value obtained by dividing the standard deviation of the particle size by the average value of the particle size (hereinafter referred to as the average particle size). Therefore, when the present inventors actually conducted an experiment to produce a microdroplet by producing a microchannel structure similar to the microchannel structure described in Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1, Certainly, microdroplets having an average particle size of several tens of μm to several hundreds of μm could be obtained, but the particle size dispersion of the generated microdroplets was not satisfactory at 20 to 30% or more. In particular, microdroplets (hereinafter referred to as by-product microdroplets) smaller than the average particle size having a particle size of about 20 to 30% or less of the average particle size of the obtained microdroplets are generated. The presence of the by-product fine droplets has deteriorated the particle size dispersion degree, and an improvement to improve the particle size dispersion degree has been demanded. In the present invention, “good particle size dispersion” means that the particle size dispersion is less than 10%.

International Publication WO02 / 068104 Pamphlet

Takashi Nishisako et al., “Liquid microdroplet generation in microchannels”, Proceedings of the 4th Chemistry and Microsystem Study Group, 59 pages, 2001

  As described above, the problem of microparticle generation in the flow channel according to the prior art is that the particle size dispersion degree is less than 10% at the intersection between the dispersed phase flowing in the microchannel and the continuous phase. It is to generate fine particles, and for that purpose, to suppress generation of by-product particles having a particle size of about 20 to 30% or less of the average particle size.

  That is, the object of the present invention is made in view of the above problems, and the particle size dispersion degree of the microparticles generated in the flow path at the intersection of the dispersed phase flowing in the microchannel and the continuous phase intersects with 10%. An object of the present invention is to provide a microchannel structure that generates microparticles having a uniform particle size of less than 1.

  The microchannel structure of the present invention that solves the above problems includes at least one dispersed phase introduction port and a dispersed phase introduction channel for introducing a dispersed phase, and at least one continuous phase introduction port and a continuous phase for introducing a continuous phase. An introduction channel, a liquid feed channel from the intersection where the dispersed phase introduction channel and the continuous phase introduction channel intersect to the discharge channel, and a branching portion at the downstream end of the liquid feed channel The discharge channel and the discharge port for discharging the microparticles generated from the dispersed phase by the shearing force of the continuous phase and the channel wall surface at the intersection and in the vicinity thereof, and the other at the intersection A sub-discharge channel and a sub-discharge port for discharging by-product particles by-produced during generation, and the dispersed phase introduction channel and the continuous phase introduction channel are at an arbitrary angle at the intersection. It is something that intersects.

  Further, the upstream end portion of the secondary discharge flow channel is a micro flow channel structure having such a shape that the fine particles cannot substantially pass and the by-product particles can pass.

  Further, the micro-flow channel structure is such that the lateral length at the flow channel center line at the upstream end portion of the secondary discharge flow channel is smaller than the horizontal length at the flow channel center line at the upstream flow channel end portion. .

  Further, the microchannel structure includes a discharge channel on the continuous phase introduction channel side and a sub-discharge channel on the dispersed phase introduction channel side.

  Moreover, it is a micro flow path structure in which the width of the liquid flow path is narrow at or near the intersection in the liquid flow path.

  In addition, a minute channel structure in which one or more protrusions are formed from one or two or more of the bottom surface, top surface, or side surface of the channel at a portion where the width of the liquid feeding channel is narrow Is the body.

  In addition, the microchannel structure includes a portion where the width of the liquid feeding channel is narrow on the dispersed phase introduction channel side.

  The microparticle production method of the present invention is a microparticle production method for producing microparticles using a microchannel structure having any one of the forms described above, and further introduces a flow for introducing a dispersed phase. It is a method for producing microparticles characterized by controlling the particle size of microparticles generated by changing the angle at which a path and an introduction flow path for introducing a continuous phase intersect. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail.

  Each of the micro-channels such as the introduction channel, the liquid supply channel, the discharge channel, and the sub-discharge channel used in the present invention generally indicates a channel having a width of 500 μm or less and a depth of 300 μm or less, The microchannel is sometimes called a microchannel. Hereinafter, not only the microchannel defined as described above but also a channel having a width and depth larger than the microchannel may be simply referred to as a channel.

  In the present invention, a dispersed phase introduction channel and a continuous phase introduction channel are used as the introduction channel. Among these, the dispersed phase introduction channel guides a dispersed phase (fluid), which will be described later, from the dispersed phase introduction port. It is a flow path for making it liquid. Further, the continuous phase introduction flow path is a flow path for introducing and feeding a continuous phase (fluid) described later from the continuous phase introduction port. Then, the dispersed phase and the continuous phase each move in the introduction flow path, and by the shearing force of the continuous phase and the flow path wall surface at the intersection where both flow paths intersect, the by-product as microparticles and by-products are generated from the dispersed phase. Raw particles are generated, and the flow path from these particles to the branching portion on the downstream side from the intersecting portion is called a liquid feeding flow passage. This liquid supply flow path is substantially continuous with the continuous phase introduction flow path, and the liquid supply flow path exists as an extension of the continuous phase introduction flow path.

  Further, the flow path branches off at the branch portion at the downstream end of the liquid supply flow path, and one side is formed by a minute phase generated from the dispersed phase by the shearing force of the continuous phase and the flow path wall surface at and near the intersection. A discharge flow path for discharging particles and a discharge port at a downstream end of the discharge flow path, and a secondary discharge flow path for discharging by-product particles by-produced when the fine particles are generated, and the secondary discharge flow path There is a secondary outlet at the downstream end. Of course, two or more of these discharge channels and sub-discharge channels may be provided unless departing from the object of the present invention.

  In the present invention, the dispersed phase introduction flow path is a microchannel, but the continuous phase introduction flow path is not limited to a microchannel, and may be a microchannel or not a microchannel. Similarly, the liquid supply flow path and the discharge flow path that are substantially continuous with the continuous phase introduction flow path are not limited to microchannels, and may be microchannels or not microchannels. good. Rather, in order to improve the particle size dispersion of the fine particles, which is the object of the present invention, as described later, it is preferable that the continuous phase introduction flow path, the liquid supply flow path, and the discharge flow path are not microchannels. More preferably, the liquid channel and the discharge channel are not microchannels. On the other hand, the by-product particles are particles that are by-produced when the fine particles are generated, and are smaller than the fine particles. For this reason, the sub-discharge channel is provided to pass mainly by-product particles without substantially passing the target micro-particles, and the upstream end of the sub-discharge channel is substantially micro-particles. In some cases, it is preferable to use a microchannel.

  In the present invention, the fine particles are discharged from the continuous phase supply port in a direction intersecting the flow of the dispersed phase at an arbitrary angle with respect to the dispersed phase flowing in the microchannel. These are microparticles generated from the dispersed phase by the shearing force of the inner wall surface, and the microparticle size is generally smaller in diameter than the width or depth of the microchannel. For example, the size of a microparticle generated in a microchannel having a width of 100 μm and a depth of 50 μm is smaller than at least 100 μm, assuming that the microparticle is a perfect sphere. In addition to solid microparticles, the microparticles obtained by the present invention are microdroplets, semi-cured microparticles that are cured only on the surface of the microdroplets, and semisolid microparticles that are very viscous. Including.

  When the microparticles are generated, as a by-product, particles smaller than the microparticles, for example, less than 10 μm in diameter may be generated. The mechanism of by-product particles is not necessarily clear, but it is necessary to separate or exclude these by-product particles from the target microparticles in practice. In the present invention, in order to separate or exclude the by-product particles from the fine particles, the above-described auxiliary discharge channel is provided separately from the discharge channel.

  The dispersed phase used in the present invention is a liquid material for generating fine particles. For example, a polymerization monomer such as styrene, a crosslinking agent such as divinylbenzene, a raw material for gel production such as a polymerization initiator is used. It refers to a medium dissolved in a suitable solvent. Here, as the dispersed phase, the purpose of the present invention is to efficiently generate fine microparticles, and the microchannel in the microchannel structure can be fed to achieve this purpose. There is no particular limitation as long as it is fine, and the components are not particularly limited as long as fine particles can be formed. Further, it may be in the form of a slurry in which a solid phase such as a fine powder is mixed in the dispersed phase, or the dispersed phase may be a laminar flow formed from a plurality of fluids. It may be a mixed fluid formed from these fluids or a suspension (emulsion).

  The continuous phase used in the present invention is a liquid material used for generating fine particles by shearing the dispersed phase. For example, a medium in which a dispersant for producing a gel of polyvinyl alcohol is dissolved in an appropriate solvent is used. Point to. Here, as in the case of the dispersed phase, the continuous phase is not particularly limited as long as it can feed the flow path in the micro flow path structure, and the component is not particularly limited as long as micro particles can be formed. Further, it may be a slurry in which a solid material such as a fine powder is mixed in the continuous phase, or the dispersed phase may be a laminar flow formed from a plurality of fluids. It may be a mixed fluid formed from these fluids or a suspension (emulsion). From the viewpoint of the composition of the fine particles to be generated, if the outermost layer of the fine particles is an organic phase, the outermost layer of the continuous phase is an aqueous phase, and if the outermost layer of the fine particles is an aqueous phase, the outermost layer of the continuous phase Becomes the organic phase.

  Further, it is more preferable that the dispersed phase and the continuous phase do not substantially cross each other or have no compatibility in order to generate fine particles. For example, when the aqueous phase is used as the dispersed phase, An organic phase such as butyl acetate that is substantially insoluble in water will be used. Moreover, the reverse is true when an aqueous phase is used as the continuous phase.

  As described above, the microchannel structure of the present invention includes a dispersed phase introduction channel, a continuous phase introduction channel, a liquid feeding channel, a discharge channel, and a sub-discharge channel. The disperse phase introduction channel and the continuous phase introduction channel intersect at an arbitrary angle at the intersection.

  Here, as a method of intersecting the dispersed phase introduction flow path and the continuous phase introduction flow path through which the continuous phase flows in the present invention, basically, in the Y-shaped flow path as shown in FIG. The dispersed phase is introduced from the port (4), the continuous phase is introduced from the continuous phase introduction port (2), and the dispersed phase is sheared by the shear force generated by the continuous phase and the wall surface at the intersection (6) between the dispersed phase and the continuous phase. Thus, microparticles (11) which are microdroplets are generated. However, the present invention is not limited to this method. As shown in FIG. 4, the dispersed phase (14) flowing in the dispersed phase introduction flow path (5) is separated from both sides of the dispersed phase by the continuous phase (13). It is possible to adopt a method in which the fine particles (11) are generated by shearing with the shearing force between the continuous phase and the upper and lower wall surfaces of the flow path at the intersecting portion (6) of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase. As shown, the continuous phase (13) intersects with two or more disperse phases (14), and the disperse phase is sheared by the shear force between the continuous phase and the wall of the inner wall of the flow path at the intersection (6). A method of generating fine particles (11) may be used, and as shown in FIG. 6, the dispersed phase (14) is connected from the dispersed phase introduction channel (4) on the left side of FIG. The continuous phase (13) is introduced from the phase introduction flow path (3) and connected at the intersection (6) of the continuous phase and the dispersed phase. The dispersed phase is sheared by the shearing force of the phase and the inner wall of the channel to generate microparticles (11) which are microdroplets, and the liquid-feeding channel in one or more arbitrary directions from the intersection (6) It is also possible to use a method of transferring to a discharge channel and a sub-discharge channel. By doing in this way, microparticles can be generated more efficiently. In the case of the method of FIG. 6, the microparticles generated by intersecting the fluid containing the generated microparticles again can be collected. Needless to say, the microchannel structure of the present invention is not limited to the examples of FIGS. 3 to 6 and can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  Here, the introduction port for introducing the dispersed phase means an opening for introducing the dispersed phase, and a mechanism for continuously introducing the dispersed phase by providing an appropriate attachment at the introduction port. Similarly, the introduction port for introducing the continuous phase also means an opening for introducing the continuous phase, and further, as a mechanism for continuously introducing the continuous phase with an appropriate attachment at the introduction port. Good.

  The dispersed phase introduction flow path for introducing the dispersed phase is a microchannel communicating with the introduction port, and the dispersed phase is introduced and fed along the introduction flow path. The shape of the introduction channel affects the control of the shape and particle size of the fine particles, but the channel width is 500 μm or less, preferably 300 μm or less. Moreover, what is necessary is just to become a shape which cross | intersects a continuous phase introduction flow path and a discharge flow path at arbitrary angles. In addition, the continuous phase introduction flow path for introducing the continuous phase communicates with the continuous phase introduction port, and the continuous phase is introduced and fed along the introduction flow path. The shape of the introduction channel has an effect on controlling the shape and particle size of the microparticles, but the channel is not particularly limited to the microchannel, and the channel width of the continuous phase introduction channel corresponds to the microchannel. The width may not be a width to be used, or may be a width corresponding to a microchannel.

  Moreover, the liquid feeding flow path is substantially continuous with the continuous phase introduction flow path, and the liquid feeding flow path exists as an extension of the continuous phase introduction flow path. Therefore, the liquid supply flow path substantially continuous with the continuous phase introduction flow path is not limited to the microchannel, and the width of the liquid supply flow path may not be the width corresponding to the microchannel. It may be a width corresponding to a channel. Rather, in order to improve the particle size dispersion degree of the microparticles, which is the object of the present invention, the continuous phase introduction channel and the liquid supply channel and the liquid supply channel of the microparticles generated by the dispersed phase and the continuous phase are used. It is preferable that the discharge flow path communicating with the liquid supply flow path from the branch portion at the downstream end is not a microchannel, and it is more preferable that the liquid supply flow path and the discharge flow path are not microchannels. In addition to the discharge channel, the sub-discharge channel that communicates with the liquid supply channel from the branch portion at the downstream end of the liquid supply channel is a microchannel. The shape of the sub-discharge channel affects the control of the shape and particle size of the fine particles, but it is sufficient that the fine particles cannot substantially pass and the by-product particles can pass, It is preferable that the horizontal length at the flow path center line at the upstream end of the sub-discharge flow path is smaller than the horizontal length at the flow path center line at the upstream end of the discharge flow path. More specifically, although it depends on the particle size of the target microparticles and by-product particles produced as a by-product, the channel width is usually the horizontal line at the channel center line at the upstream end of the sub-discharge channel. The length in the direction is preferably smaller than the particle size of the fine particles. In addition, the sub-discharge channel is branched from the discharge channel at the branching portion at the downstream end of the liquid-feed channel, but it only needs to have a shape that intersects the discharge channel at an arbitrary angle. . Further, it is more preferable that the sub-discharge channel and the sub-discharge port are on the dispersed-phase introduction channel side, and in particular, the minute channel provided on the continuous-phase introduction channel side and the sub-discharge channel on the dispersed-phase introduction channel side. It is preferable to have a flow path structure.

  The reason for this will be described below in more detail with reference to the drawings.

  As a result of intensive studies by the present inventors, the continuous phase flowing in the microchannel is oriented in a direction crossing the flow of the continuous phase from the dispersed phase supply port at the downstream end of the dispersed phase introduction channel. When discharging and generating microdroplets from the dispersed phase by the shear force of the continuous phase, the phenomenon described below occurs.

  First, when microdroplets are generated from the dispersed phase by the shearing force of the continuous phase, tailing (15) occurs upstream of the microparticles (11), which are microdroplets, as shown in FIG. When this tail is separated from the fine particles (11), by-product particles (16) that are finer than the particle size of the target fine particles are generated. Here, the tailing that occurs on the upstream side of the fine particles (behind the flow direction of the fine particles) is the interfacial tension between the dispersed phase and the continuous phase when the dispersed phase (14) is broken by the shear of the continuous phase (13). By the difference, the continuous phase mainly consists of elongated and elongated dispersed phases surrounded by a continuous phase, which continues from the rear of the fine droplets generated when the dispersed phase is about to be torn off. As shown in FIG. 7, when the dispersed phase is sheared into droplets, the tails of the fine droplets are divided into one or a plurality of tail parts, which are by-produced particles of less than 10 μm (16 ), Which is one of the factors that deteriorate the particle size dispersion. When these by-product particles are generated, the particle size dispersion degree of the generated microdroplets is very poor, 20-30% or more.

  Therefore, in order to improve the particle size dispersion degree of the generated micro droplets, the by-product particles as described above are not generated, or the generated by-product particles are defined as droplets having a target particle size. What is necessary is just to discharge | emit from a microchannel structure so that it can isolate | separate or remove.

  In the microchannel structure of the present invention, the width of the liquid feeding channel is narrow at a part of the liquid feeding channel from the intersection where the dispersed phase and the continuous phase intersect to the branching portion. In addition, it is preferable that the portion where the width of the liquid flow path is narrow is at or near the intersection of the dispersed phase flowing in the microchannel and the continuous phase. Moreover, it is preferable that the site | part where the width | variety of the discharge flow path is narrow exists in the introduction flow path side of the dispersed phase of the intersection part of the dispersed phase which flows in a microchannel, and a continuous phase. Alternatively, not only one of these embodiments but also two or more embodiments may be combined.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that one or more protrusions are formed from one surface or two or more surfaces of the bottom surface, the top surface, or the side surface of the flow channel in a portion where the width of the liquid supply flow channel is narrow.

  Here, FIGS. 8 to 16 show examples in which one or more protrusions are formed from one surface or two or more surfaces of the bottom surface, the top surface, or the side surface of the flow channel at a specific portion of the flow channel.

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a microchannel structure in which one or more protrusions are formed from one surface or two or more surfaces of the bottom surface, top surface, or side surface of the channel. FIGS. 9-16 has shown the example of the part which expanded the intersection part (6) of the continuous phase introduction flow path (3) of FIG. 8, and a disperse phase introduction flow path (5), and its sectional drawing.

  FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a micro-channel structure in which one or more protrusions are formed from the bottom surface of the channel. FIG. 10 is a B-B ′ cross-sectional view of the flow path in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a micro-channel structure in which one or more protrusions are formed from the upper surface of the channel. FIG. 12 is a C-C ′ cross-sectional view of the flow path in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a microchannel structure in which one or more protrusions are formed from the bottom and side surfaces of the channel. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D ′ in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a micro-channel structure in which one or more protrusions are formed from the bottom, top, and side surfaces of the channel. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E 'of FIG.

  By doing in this way, in addition to the liquid feeding pressure of the continuous phase, it is possible to shear the dispersed phase more easily due to the increase in internal pressure due to the narrow inside of the flow path, which occurs when shearing The tail (15) behind the microparticle (11) which is a microdroplet as shown in FIG. 7 can be suppressed, and the microparticle (11) with little or no tailing is generated as shown in FIG. It becomes possible. That is, by using the microchannel structure having the channel structure as described above, tailing of the microdroplets can be suppressed, and generation of by-product particles can be suppressed.

  However, although the microchannel structure described above can suppress the generation of by-product particles, a method for further suppressing the mixing of the generated by-product particles into the target microparticles will be described below. That is, the microchannel structure according to the present invention is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 18 in the liquid supply channel that is transported together with the continuous phase until the microparticles that are generated microdroplets are discharged from the microchannel structure. By introducing a sub-discharge channel (24) for discharging only by-product particles and a sub-discharge port (not shown), by-product particles are generated in the channel from the micro particles (11) that are generated micro droplets. (16) can be separated and discharged. Here, the sub-discharge channel (24) for discharging the by-product particles (16) is connected to the discharge channel (7) at the branch end (17) at the downstream end of the liquid-feed channel (10). It only has to be a shape that intersects at an angle.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19, the generated fine particles (11) and by-product particles (16) have a cross-sectional area of the sub-discharge channel (24) that is approximately the same as the discharge channel (7). The target fine particles (11) are discharged from the sub-discharge channel (24) together with the by-product particles (16). Therefore, the channel width and the channel depth of the sub-discharge channel (24) are made smaller than those of the discharge channel (7) as shown in FIG. 18, so that the fine particles (11) are introduced into the sub-discharge channel (24). Since it can suppress flowing, it is preferable. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, from the branching portion (17) at the downstream end of the liquid feeding flow channel (10) to the discharge flow channel (7) and the sub discharge flow channel (24). When the generated fine particles (11) and by-product particles (16) flow, the sub-discharge channel (24) has a smaller cross-sectional area than the discharge channel (7) as shown in FIG. The lateral length of the flow path (24) at the flow path center line is smaller than that of the discharge flow path (7), so that the fine particles (11) are contained in the discharge flow path (7). By-product particles (16) will flow through the path (24). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19, the discharge channel (7) and the sub-discharge channel (24) have substantially the same cross-sectional area or the length in the horizontal direction at the channel center line, or as shown in FIG. If the discharge channel (7) is smaller in cross-sectional area or lateral length in the channel center line than the sub-discharge channel (24), the object of the present invention cannot be achieved. .

  Further, the generated fine particles (11) and by-product particles (16) move along the wall surface in the discharge channel. When the sub-discharge channel (24) is on the continuous phase side as shown in FIG. 20, the produced fine particles (11) are discharged from the sub-discharge channel (24) together with the by-product particles (16). End up. Therefore, it is more preferable that the auxiliary discharge channel (24) is on the dispersed phase side as shown in FIG.

  Further, in the microchannel structure according to the present invention, the length in the horizontal direction at the channel center line of the upstream end of the sub-discharge channel for discharging the by-product particles (16) is the upstream end of the discharge channel. This is a microchannel structure that is smaller than the horizontal length of the channel centerline of the part. By using such a microchannel structure, it is possible to discharge without breaking the shape of the generated microparticles having the target particle diameter, and to further discharge the by-product particles by the target microparticles. It is possible to suppress discharge from the secondary discharge flow path leading to the outlet, and it is possible to efficiently separate and collect the by-product particles and the generated fine particles having the target particle diameter. By doing so, the generated by-product particles can be reliably discharged from the sub-discharge flow path different from the target fine particles.

  By using the above-described microchannel structure, a microchannel structure that generates microparticles having a uniform particle size with a particle size dispersion degree of less than 10%, which is one of the objects of the present invention. The body can be provided.

  Furthermore, in the microchannel structure according to the present invention, the dispersed phase introduction channel for introducing the dispersed phase and the continuous phase introduction channel for introducing the continuous phase intersect at an arbitrary angle, and these introductions It is preferable that the flow path be connected to the discharge flow path at an arbitrary angle. By setting the angle at which the two introduction channels intersect to be an arbitrary angle, it is possible to control the fine particles generated at the intersection to a desired particle size. What is necessary is just to determine suitably about the setting of a crossing angle according to the particle size of the target fine particle. The method for producing fine particles of the present invention introduces the above-mentioned dispersed phase and continuous phase from the respective introduction flow channels into the micro flow channel structure according to the present invention, which will be described later. In order to generate fine particles by shearing with the shearing force of the wall surface in the flow channel, the continuous phase introduction for introducing the dispersed phase flow channel for introducing the dispersed phase flowing in the microchannel and the continuous phase is introduced. By changing the angle at which the flow path intersects, the particle size of the generated fine particles can be controlled. This is easier to control than the case of changing the introduction speed of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase in the generation of microparticles using the conventional microchannel structure, and is suitable for industrial mass production. In particular, if the introduction speed of the dispersed phase and the introduction speed of the continuous phase are substantially the same, it is excellent in terms of cost, for example, it is sufficient to prepare one introduction device. Note that the introduction rate of the dispersed phase and the introduction rate of the continuous phase here are substantially the same, even if there is some variation in the introduction rate of each phase, the particle size of the generated fine particles is greatly affected. This means that the particle size dispersion is not changed. By doing in this way, the microparticle of the stable particle size can be produced | generated. Further, it is not necessary to supply the continuous phase excessively. For example, the cost of the continuous phase in gel production can be reduced, and industrial mass production can be achieved.

  In addition, the microchannel structure of the present invention can industrially generate a large amount of microparticles by arranging a plurality of microchannels planarly or three-dimensionally in the microchannel structure. An example of the above-described embodiment is shown in FIG. 22 which is a G-G ′ sectional view in FIG. 21 and FIG. 21 and FIG. 23 which is a F-F ′ sectional view. This is an example in which a substrate (1) having a flow path (22) is overlapped and a common flow path (23) is formed through the substrate. This form is effective when stacking substrates and collecting a large number of three-dimensional microchannels. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and a plurality of flow paths may be arranged in any arrangement on a single substrate, and can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the gist of the invention. Needless to say.

  In the method for producing microparticles of the present invention, examples of the use of microparticles include packing materials for high-performance liquid chromatography columns, pressure measurement films, carbonless (pressure-sensitive copying) paper, toners, thermal expansion agents, thermal media, preparations. Light glass, gap agent (spacer), thermochromic (thermosensitive liquid crystal, thermosensitive dye), magnetophoresis capsule, pesticide, artificial feed, artificial seed, fragrance, massage cream, lipstick, vitamins capsule, activated carbon, enzyme-containing capsule And microcapsules and gels such as DDS (drug delivery system).

  In various forms of the present invention, the fluid is generally introduced into the fluid introduction port using a liquid feed pump such as a syringe pump, but the fluid discharged from the flow passage outlet arranged in the flow passage is collected, The liquid may be returned again to the liquid feed pump and fed again. By doing in this way, the continuous phase and / or disperse phase to introduce can be used without waste.

  The microchannel structure according to the present invention has the structure and performance described above, but includes an introduction part and an introduction channel for introducing a dispersed phase and a continuous phase, and an intersection where the introduction channel intersects. The micro flow channel structure having a discharge flow channel and a discharge port for discharging the liquid covers the substrate having the flow channel formed on at least one surface and the substrate surface on which the flow channel is formed. A cover body in which small holes for communicating the flow channel and the outside of the micro flow channel structure are arranged at a predetermined position of the flow channel may be laminated and integrated. As a result, the fluid can be introduced from the outside of the microchannel structure into the channel and discharged again to the outside of the microchannel structure, and the fluid can be stably flowed even if the amount of fluid is small. It is possible to pass through the road. The fluid can be fed by mechanical means such as a syringe pump or a micro pump.

  As the material of the substrate and the cover body on which the flow path is formed, it is desirable that the flow path can be formed, has excellent chemical resistance, and has an appropriate rigidity. For example, glass, quartz, ceramic, silicon, or metal or resin may be used. The size and shape of the substrate and cover body are not particularly limited, but the thickness is preferably about several mm or less. The small hole arranged in the cover body communicates the flow path and the outside of the micro flow path structure and has a diameter of, for example, about several hundred μm to several mm when used as a fluid inlet or outlet. It is desirable. The small holes in the cover body can be processed chemically, mechanically, or by various means such as laser irradiation or ion etching.

  In the microchannel structure of the present invention, the substrate on which the channel is formed and the cover body can be laminated and integrated by means such as heat bonding or bonding using an adhesive such as a thermosetting resin.

  The microchannel structure of the present invention includes at least one dispersed phase introduction port and a dispersed phase introduction channel for introducing a dispersed phase, at least one continuous phase introduction port and a continuous phase introduction channel for introducing a continuous phase, Branched at the liquid feed flow path from the intersection where the dispersed phase introduction flow path and the continuous phase introduction flow path cross to the discharge flow path, and at the branch portion at the downstream end of the liquid feed flow path, The discharge channel and the discharge port for discharging the fine particles generated from the dispersed phase by the shearing force of the continuous phase and the flow channel wall surface at the intersection and the vicinity thereof, and the other is by-produced during the generation of the fine particles. A secondary discharge channel and a secondary discharge port for discharging by-product particles are provided, and the dispersed phase introduction channel and the continuous phase introduction channel intersect at an arbitrary angle at the intersection. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to separate and collect by-product particles and generated fine particles having a target particle size.

  In the microchannel structure of the present invention, the sub-discharge channel and the sub-discharge port for discharging the by-product particles are on the introduction channel side of the dispersed phase. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to discharge by-product particles that go straight along the wall surface in a discharge channel having a simple channel shape, and only collect fine particles having a target particle size. It becomes possible to produce microparticles having a very uniform average particle size with a dimensional dispersion of less than 10%.

  Further, in the micro flow channel structure of the present invention, the width of the liquid flow channel is narrow at the intersection or in the vicinity thereof in the liquid flow channel, and the width of the liquid flow channel is narrow. A portion is provided on the dispersed phase introduction flow path side, and the width of the liquid feed flow path is narrowed, and one or more of one or more of the bottom, top, or side surfaces of the flow path A protrusion is formed. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to generate microparticles with less tailing, and when the dispersed phase is sheared into droplets, the tail portion is broken apart, and a quasi-microfluid less than 10 μm. It is possible to suppress the generation of droplets, reduce the existence probability of by-product particles discharged from the sub-discharge flow path, and more reliably generate fine particles having a good particle size dispersion.

  The method for producing microparticles of the present invention is a microparticle production method for producing microparticles using a microchannel structure having any one of the forms described above, and is further used for introducing a dispersed phase. A method for producing microparticles, characterized by controlling the particle size of the microparticles generated by changing the angle at which the flow channel and the introduction flow channel for introducing the continuous phase intersect. Thus, the average particle diameter can be freely controlled by the flow path shape.

  Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described, and the embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail. It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the following examples and can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line HH ′ in FIGS. 24 and 24, FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II ′, and a cross-sectional view taken along a line JJ ′ in FIG. It shows in FIG. Dispersed phase corresponding to a continuous phase introduction channel (3) having a width of 200 μm and a depth of 80 μm, a microchannel having a width of 100 μm and a depth of 40 μm on a Pyrex (registered trademark) glass of 70 mm × 20 mm × 1 t (thickness) Introducing flow path (4), liquid feeding flow path (10) and discharge flow path (7) having a width of 300 μm, depth of 80 μm and a length of 30 mm, sub discharge flow path having a width of 50 μm, a depth of 20 μm and a length of 10 mm (24) where the continuous phase introduction channel (3) and the dispersed phase introduction channel (5) intersect at an angle of 44 °, and the discharge channel and the sub-discharge channel are 44 °. A substrate (1) on which one X-shaped flow path having a branching portion (17) intersecting at an angle was formed.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the micro-channel structure having this channel is formed on one surface of a glass substrate having a thickness of 1 mm and a size of 70 mm × 20 mm by a general photolithography and wet etching. A small hole having a diameter of 0.6 mm is formed in advance on the surface of the substrate (1) having the flow path at positions corresponding to the introduction ports (2) and (4) and the discharge ports (8) and (25) of the flow path. A glass cover body (32) having a thickness of 1 mm and a thickness of 70 mm × 20 mm provided using mechanical processing means was manufactured by thermal bonding.

  Next, the fine particle manufacturing method of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 29, the microchannel structure (19) is held by the holder (31) so that the liquid can be fed, and the Teflon (registered trademark) tube (29) and the fillet joint (26) are held by the holder. Fix to (31). The other end of the Teflon tube (29) is connected to the microsyringe (28). Thus, liquid can be fed to the microchannel structure.

  Next, a mixed solution of divinylbenzene and butyl acetate is injected into the dispersed phase for generating fine particles, and a 3% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol is injected into each microsyringe as the continuous phase, and the solution is fed by the microsyringe pump (27). It was. The liquid feeding speed is 1 μl / min for the dispersed phase and 15 μl / min for the continuous phase. Formation of microparticles (11) as shown in FIG. 30 was observed at the intersection where the disperse phase and continuous phase of the microchannel structure intersect in a state where both the liquid feeding speeds were stable. Observation of the generated fine droplets revealed that the average particle size was 99.4 μm, the CV value (%) indicating the particle size dispersion was 5.2%, and the particles were uniform fine particles having a particle size dispersion of less than 10%. It was. As shown in the first embodiment, by introducing a sub-discharge channel and a sub-discharge port for discharging by-product particles, the degree of dispersion is improved as compared with the comparative example described later, and thus the generated sub-flow is generated. Raw particles can be separated and discharged from fine particles having a desired particle size, and the degree of particle size dispersion can be improved to about 5%.

  FIG. 31 shows a microchannel according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The microchannel is a Pyrex (registered trademark) glass of 70 mm × 40 mm × 1 t (thickness), a continuous phase introduction channel (3) having a width of 200 μm and a depth of 80 μm, and a microchannel having a width of 100 μm and a depth of 40 μm. Corresponding dispersed phase introduction flow path (5) and a liquid feed flow path (10) and discharge flow path (7) having a width of 300 μm, a depth of 80 μm and a length of 30 mm, a width of 50 μm, a depth of 20 μm and a length of 10 mm An intersection (6), which is a sub-discharge channel (24) and intersects the continuous-phase introduction channel (3) and the dispersed-phase introduction channel (5) at an angle of 44 °, a discharge channel and a sub-discharge channel A substrate (1) having one X-shaped channel having a branch portion (17) intersecting at an angle of 44 ° was produced. Further, in the liquid feeding channel (10) immediately after the intersection of the continuous phase introducing channel (3) and the dispersed phase introducing channel (5), the inner wall surface of the liquid feeding channel on the dispersed phase introducing channel side is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, a protrusion projecting inward by about 50 μm at maximum with respect to the flow path width of 300 μm was formed.

  The flow path is formed by general photolithography and dry etching, and the flow path inlets (2) and (4) are connected to the surface of the glass substrate on which the flow path is formed. A glass cover body having a thickness of 1 mm and a thickness of 70 mm × 20 mm provided in advance at a position corresponding to the outlets (8) and (25) by using a mechanical processing means is prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. Joined and produced.

  Next, the microchannel structure is held by a holder, and a mixed solution of monomer (styrene), divinylbenzene, butyl acetate and benzoyl peroxide is used as a dispersed phase for generating microdroplets in the same manner as in Example 1. Was injected into a microsyringe as a continuous phase, and liquid was fed with a microsyringe pump to produce microparticles as microdroplets. The liquid feeding speed is 1 μl / min for the dispersed phase and 15 μl / min for the continuous phase. Formation of microparticles was observed at the intersection where the disperse phase and continuous phase of the microchannel structure intersect, with both flow rates stabilized. When the generated fine particles are observed, the average particle size is 98.3 μm, the CV value (%) indicating the degree of dispersion of the particle size is 3.1%, and the particle size dispersion is less than 10%. there were. In Example 2, substantially no by-product particles having a particle size of less than 10 μm were observed.

In this way, in the liquid supply flow path immediately after the intersection of the continuous phase introduction flow path and the dispersed phase introduction flow path, a microdroplet is formed by forming a protrusion on the wall surface of the liquid supply flow path on the dispersed phase introduction flow path side. It is possible to suppress the tailing of microparticles generated when sheared by the shear of the continuous phase and the inner wall of the flow path, and as shown in FIG. 33, the secondary discharge for discharging the byproduct particles (16) is also possible. By introducing a flow path (24) and a secondary discharge port (not shown), the degree of dispersion is improved as compared with a comparative example described later. The fine particles (11) can be separated and discharged, and the particle size dispersion can be improved to less than 5%.
Comparative Example 1

  FIG. 34 shows a microchannel in the first comparative example of the present invention. The micro-channel is formed on a Pyrex (registered trademark) glass substrate (1) having a size of 70 mm × 40 mm × 1 t (thickness), a continuous phase introduction channel (3) corresponding to the micro-channel, and a dispersed phase introduction channel ( 5) The width of the discharge flow path (7) is 200 μm and the depth is 100 μm, and the intersecting portion where the continuous phase introduction flow path (3) and the dispersed phase introduction flow path (5) intersect at an angle of 44 ° ( A Y-shaped channel having 6) was formed. The length of the discharge channel is 30 mm.

  The micro flow channel is formed by general photolithography and wet etching, and the flow channel inlets (2) and (4) and the discharge port are formed on the surface of the glass substrate on which the flow channel is formed. A glass cover body having a thickness of 1 mm and a thickness of 70 mm × 20 mm, in which a small hole having a diameter of 0.6 mm was previously provided at a position corresponding to (8) using mechanical processing means, was thermally bonded in the same manner as in Example 1.

  Next, the microchannel structure is held by a holder, and a mixed solution of monomer (styrene), divinylbenzene, and butyl acetate is added to the dispersed phase for generating microparticles in the same manner as in Example 1, and the continuous phase A 3% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol was injected into a microsyringe, and liquid was fed with a microsyringe pump to generate microdroplets. The liquid feeding speed is 1 μl / min for the dispersed phase and 15 μl / min for the continuous phase. Formation of microdroplets was observed at the intersection where the dispersed phase and continuous phase of the microchannel structure intersect, with both flow rates stabilized. Observation of the generated fine droplets reveals that the average particle size is 89.5 μm, the CV value (%) indicating the degree of dispersion of the particle size is 10.5%, and the particle size dispersion is relatively non-uniform with a degree of dispersion of 10% or more. It was a fine particle with a small particle size. As shown in FIG. 35, tailing (15) occurs behind the fine particles (11) generated from the continuous phase (13) and the dispersed phase (14), and this becomes by-product particles (16). As shown in FIG. 36, since the fine particles (11) are flowing along with the by-product particles (16) not only in the discharge channel (7) but also in the sub-discharge channel (24), the two cannot be separated well. is there.

  FIG. 37 shows a microchannel according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The micro-channel is formed on a Pyrex (registered trademark) glass substrate (1) having a size of 70 mm × 40 mm × 1 t (thickness), a continuous phase introduction channel (3) corresponding to the micro-channel, and a dispersed phase introduction channel ( 5) and the discharge channel (7) both have a width of 200 μm and a depth of 300 μm, and the continuous phase introduction channel (3) and the dispersed phase introduction channel (5) intersect at an angle of 44 ° ( 6) and an X-shaped channel having a discharge channel (7) and a sub-discharge channel (24) via a branching portion (17) at the downstream end of the liquid feeding channel (10). And the continuous phase introduction channel (3) and the dispersed phase introduction channel (5) have an intersection (6) where they intersect at an angle of 22 °, and further at the downstream end of the liquid feed channel (10). Two micro-channels of an X-shaped channel having a discharge channel (7) and a sub-discharge channel (24) were formed through the branch part (17). Therefore, the present embodiment is an example in which the angle at the intersection of the continuous phase introduction flow path and the dispersed phase introduction flow path is changed in the second embodiment.

  The micro flow channel is formed by general photolithography and dry etching, and the flow channel inlets (2) and (4) and the discharge port are formed on the surface of the glass substrate on which the flow channel is formed. A glass cover body having a thickness of 1 mm and a thickness of 70 mm × 20 mm provided in advance with a small hole having a diameter of 0.6 mm at a position corresponding to (8) and (25) using mechanical processing means is thermally bonded in the same manner as in Example 1. I made it.

  Next, the microchannel structure is held by a holder, and a mixed solution of monomer (styrene), divinylbenzene, butyl acetate and benzoyl peroxide is added to the dispersed phase for producing microparticles in the same manner as in Example 1. Then, a 3% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol was injected into the microsyringe as a continuous phase, and liquid was fed with a microsyringe pump to generate microdroplets. The liquid feeding speed is 1 μl / min for the dispersed phase and 15 μl / min for the continuous phase. Formation of microdroplets was observed at the intersection (6) where the dispersed phase and continuous phase of the microchannel structure intersect, with both the flow rates stabilized. When the generated fine particles are observed, when the intersecting portion (6) intersects at an angle of 22 °, the average particle diameter is 110.5 μm, and the CV value (%) indicating the degree of dispersion of the particle diameter is 8.7%. When the intersection (6) intersects at an angle of 44 °, the average particle size is 87.8 μm, and the CV value (%) indicating the degree of dispersion of the particle size is 8.9%, both of which have a particle size dispersion degree of Very uniform fine particles of less than 10%.

  As shown in Example 5, the particle size is controlled by changing the angle of the intersection of the dispersed phase introduction channel and the continuous phase introduction channel without changing the conditions of the liquid feeding speed of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase. It can be seen that it is possible.

It is a schematic plan view which shows the microchannel which produces the conventional microparticles. It is A-A 'sectional drawing in the microchannel which produces | generates the conventional microparticle of FIG. It is a conceptual top view which shows the method of forming a microparticle by shearing a disperse phase with the shearing force by the continuous phase and the inner wall of a flow path in the crossing part vicinity of a flow path. The continuous phase on both sides sandwiches the central dispersed phase in the vicinity of the intersection of the channels, and the dispersed phase is sheared by the shear force between the continuous phases on both sides and the upper and lower inner walls of the channel to form microparticles. It is a conceptual top view which shows a method. FIG. 4 is a conceptual plan view showing a method in which a central continuous phase in the vicinity of a crossing portion of a flow path shears dispersion on both sides with a shear force of the continuous phase and the inner wall of the flow path to form fine particles. In the vicinity of the intersection of the channels, a dispersed phase is introduced linearly from one side and a continuous phase is introduced from the other side, and the dispersed phase is sheared by the shearing force of the continuous phase and the inner wall of the channel to generate fine particles. And it is a conceptual top view which shows the method of discharging in arbitrary directions. It is a conceptual diagram which shows a state when a microparticle is produced | generated, and is a conceptual top view which showed a mode that a tail is produced when a microparticle is produced | generated and a by-product particle | grain is produced | generated. It is the conceptual top view which showed the example of the microchannel structure which formed the 1 or more protrusion from any one of the bottom face, the upper surface, and the side surface of a flow path, or 2 surfaces or more. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the intersection 6 in FIG. 8, and is a conceptual plan view showing an example of a microchannel structure in which one or more protrusions are formed from the bottom surface of the channel. FIG. 10 is a B-B ′ sectional view of the flow path in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of an intersection 6 in FIG. 8 and is a conceptual plan view showing an example of a micro flow channel structure in which one or more protrusions are formed from the upper surface of the flow channel. It is C-C 'sectional drawing of the flow path in FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the intersection 6 in FIG. 8, and is a conceptual plan view showing an example of a microchannel structure in which one or more protrusions are formed from the bottom and side surfaces of the channel. It is D-D 'sectional drawing of the flow path in FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the intersection 6 in FIG. 8, and is a conceptual plan view illustrating an example of a microchannel structure in which one or more protrusions are formed from the bottom surface, the top surface, and the side surface of the channel. It is E-E 'sectional drawing of the flow path in FIG. It is a conceptual plan view showing a state when fine particles are generated and a state after being generated. The average particle size of the fine particles is small with respect to the width or depth of the flow channel, and the inner diameter of the flow channel is set at the time of droplet generation. When the width and depth of the flow path are increased before the rear part of the micro droplet gradually collapses due to the restriction and further the shear stress of the continuous phase, no tailing occurs when the micro particle is generated, and the micro particle It is the conceptual top view which showed a mode that it did not collapse. It is the conceptual top view which showed a mode that the produced | generated microparticle and byproduct particle | grains in the microchannel which introduce | transduced the subdischarge channel were discharged | emitted. It is the conceptual top view which showed a mode that the produced | generated fine particle and byproduct particle | grains were discharged | emitted when the width | variety of a subdischarge channel is made the same with the width | variety or depth of a discharge channel. It is the conceptual top view which showed a mode that the produced | generated microparticle and byproduct particle | grains at the time of introduce | transducing a sub discharge channel into the continuous phase side of a discharge channel are discharged | emitted. It is an example of the micro channel structure which constituted the substrate which has a channel in three dimensions. It is G-G 'sectional drawing in the microchannel structure of FIG. It is F-F 'sectional drawing in the microchannel structure of FIG. It is a conceptual top view which shows the microchannel in a 1st Example. FIG. 25 is an H-H ′ sectional view of the flow path in FIG. 24. It is I-I 'sectional drawing of the flow path in FIG. It is J-J 'sectional drawing of the flow path in FIG. It is a conceptual perspective view which shows the microchannel structure in a 1st Example. It is the perspective view explaining the manufacturing method of the microparticles in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the mode of the production | generation of the microparticles observed in the 1st Example. It is a conceptual top view which shows the microchannel structure in a 2nd Example. FIG. 32 is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of an intersection 6 in the flow path of FIG. 31. FIG. 32 is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of an intersection 6 in the flow path of FIG. 31. It is a conceptual top view which shows the microchannel structure in a 1st comparative example. FIG. 35 is an enlarged plan view near the intersection 6 in the flow path of FIG. 34. FIG. 35 is an enlarged plan view near the intersection 6 in the flow path of FIG. 34. It is a conceptual top view which shows the microchannel structure in a 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

1: Substrate 2: Continuous phase introduction port 3: Continuous phase introduction channel 4: Dispersed phase introduction port 5: Dispersed phase introduction channel 6: Intersection 7: Discharge channel 8: Discharge port 9: Microchannel width 10 : Liquid feeding flow path 11: fine particle 12: diameter of fine particle 13: continuous phase 14: dispersed phase 15: tailing 16: byproduct particle 17: branching part 18: inner wall 19 of flow path: depth of flow path and / Or position 19 where the width increases 19: micro flow channel structure 20: upper cover body 21: lower cover body 22: flow channel 23: common flow channel 24: sub-discharge channel 25: sub-discharge port 26: fillet joint 27: Micro syringe pump 28: Micro syringe 29: Teflon (registered trademark) tube 30: Beaker 31: Holder 32: Cover body

Claims (7)

At least one dispersed phase introduction port and a dispersed phase introduction channel for introducing a dispersed phase, at least one continuous phase introduction port and a continuous phase introduction channel for introducing a continuous phase, the dispersed phase introduction channel and the continuous phase Branches at the liquid supply flow path from the intersection where the introduction flow path intersects to the discharge flow path, and at the branch portion at the downstream end of the liquid supply flow path, one of which is continuous at the intersection and its vicinity A discharge flow path and a discharge port for discharging fine particles generated from the dispersed phase by the shearing force of the phase and the flow path wall surface, and a secondary discharge flow path for discharging by-product particles by-produced when the fine particles are generated And a sub-discharge port, wherein the dispersed-phase introduction channel and the continuous-phase introduction channel intersect at an arbitrary angle at an intersection. 2. The microchannel structure according to claim 1, wherein the upstream end portion of the sub-discharge channel has a shape in which the microparticles cannot substantially pass and the byproduct particles can pass. The lateral length of the flow path center line at the upstream end portion of the sub-discharge flow path is smaller than the horizontal length of the flow path center line of the upstream flow path end portion. The microchannel structure according to the description. The microchannel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a discharge channel on the continuous phase introduction channel side and a sub-discharge channel on the dispersed phase introduction channel side. The microchannel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a width of the liquid feeding channel is narrow at or near the intersection in the liquid feeding channel. One or more protrusions are formed from one surface or two or more surfaces of the bottom surface, the top surface, or the side surface of the flow channel at a portion where the width of the liquid flow channel is narrow. Item 6. The microchannel structure according to Item 5. 6. The microchannel structure according to claim 5, wherein a portion where the width of the liquid feeding channel is narrow is provided on the dispersed phase introduction channel side.

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