WO2013146897A1

WO2013146897A1 - Droplet generating module

Info

Publication number: WO2013146897A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/059029
Authority: WO
Inventors: 建次郎竿本; 紳介杉浦; 晋仁菅原; 絵梨子阿部; 雅央中川
Original assignee: 日東電工株式会社
Priority date: 2012-03-29
Filing date: 2013-03-27
Publication date: 2013-10-03
Also published as: JP2013202555A

Abstract

A droplet generating module (1) has a base member (2) and a flow path structure (300). The flow path structure (300) has a plurality of droplet generating flow paths (3). Each droplet generating flow path (3) has a liquid dispersed phase material and a liquid continuous phase material flowing through the same, generates droplets of the dispersed phase material by the shearing force of the continuous phase material, and is provided with discharge openings (112, 122) that discharge the droplets that have been generated. Furthermore, each droplet generating flow path (3) is formed on the base member (2) such that the orientations of the discharge openings (112, 122) are oriented towards a single point (P). Thus, by collecting the orientations of the discharge openings of the plurality of droplet generating flow paths (3) at a single point, the space required for the discharge openings (112, 122) can be reduced compared with the case in which the orientations of the discharge openings are dispersed.

Description

Droplet generation module

The present invention relates to a droplet generation module including a plurality of droplet generators that generate droplets for generating gelatin particles and the like.

Conventionally, a dispersed phase material (for example, an aqueous gelatin solution) of emulsion and a continuous phase material (for example, oil) serving as a dispersion medium for the emulsion are circulated, and droplets of the dispersed phase material are generated by the shear force of the continuous phase material. A droplet generator having a droplet generation flow channel is known (for example, Patent Document 1).
Using the generated droplets, for example, microparticles used for embolization treatment, DDS (Drag Delivery System), and the like are generated.

Japanese Patent No. 3746766

In order to improve the productivity per unit time of the droplets of the dispersed phase material, a droplet generation module in which a plurality of droplet generators are unitized may be used. That is, the droplet generation module has a channel structure in which a plurality of droplet generation channels are unitized. The arrangement of the plurality of droplet generation channels in this channel structure is preferably compact while being able to form many droplet generation channels. One reason for this is that a plurality of flow path structures may be formed in the droplet generation module, and if it is compact, a larger number of flow path structures can be formed in the droplet generation module. This is because the drop productivity is improved. For this reason, the developer has developed an array of a plurality of droplet generation channels that can form a larger number of droplet generation channels and can save space by trial and error.

In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a droplet generation module having a channel structure capable of forming more droplet generation channels and saving space. is there.

The droplet generating module according to the present invention is generated by circulating a base member, a liquid dispersed phase material and a liquid continuous phase material, and generating a droplet of the dispersed phase material by the shearing force of the continuous phase material. A plurality of droplet generation flow paths provided with discharge ports for discharging liquid droplets, and a flow channel structure formed on the base member so that the direction of each discharge port faces one point.

According to the above configuration, the plurality of droplet generation flow paths are arranged in the base member so that the direction of each discharge port is directed to one point. In this way, by concentrating the direction of each discharge port at one point, it becomes possible to concentrate each discharge port in a region around one point. In this way, for example, as compared with the case where the directions of the respective outlets are dispersed or the same, it is possible to arrange a large number of droplet generation flow paths in a space-saving manner corresponding to the density of the respective outlets. Is possible. Further, since the direction of each discharge port is concentrated at one point, a configuration for discharging the droplets discharged from each discharge port to the outside of the droplet generation module (for example, the droplets are led out of the base member). , Etc.) can be simplified. For example, instead of providing a separate outlet for each outlet, the outlet for each outlet is shared by one outlet, etc., simplifying the configuration for discharging droplets to the outside can do.

In the droplet generation module, a plurality of droplet generation channels may be arranged in an annular shape centering on one point. According to this configuration, since all the droplet generation channels can be arranged at an equal distance from one point where the directions of the respective discharge ports are concentrated, space saving of the droplet generation channel is made based on this one point. In addition to being able to easily perform the optimization design to form, droplets can be stably produced and discharged by uniform liquid distribution and pressure distribution. In addition, by arranging a plurality of droplet generation channels in an annular shape, more droplet generation channels can be arranged.

The liquid droplet generation module may be provided with a single outlet path for discharging the liquid droplets discharged from the discharge ports to the outside of the base member at a position corresponding to one point on the base member. According to this configuration, since a single outlet path is shared by each outlet, it is possible to save the space for the droplet outlet structure by the amount that the outlet paths are not arranged for each outlet. Further, since the single outlet path is formed at a position corresponding to one point where each outlet port faces, it is easy to have a configuration in which each outlet port and outlet path are in direct communication. It is possible to save the space for the drop outlet structure.

In the droplet generation module, each droplet generation flow path may have the following configuration. That is, a continuous phase material is circulated, and a plurality of continuous phase channels provided with the discharge port on the most downstream side of the continuous phase material, a single dispersed phase channel for circulating the dispersed phase material, and a dispersed phase channel Each continuous phase channel is connected to each other via a communication port, and the communication channel is formed to generate a droplet of the dispersed phase material by the shearing force of the continuous phase material at each communication port. Also good. According to this configuration, it is possible to realize further space saving by sharing a single dispersed phase channel for a plurality of communication channels.

According to the above configuration, the outlets of the plurality of droplet generation flow paths are concentrated at one point, so that the outlets can be concentrated in an area around one point. As a result, for example, as compared with the case where the directions of the respective discharge ports are dispersed or the same, a plurality of droplet generation flow paths are arranged in a space-saving manner corresponding to the concentration of the respective discharge ports. It becomes possible to do. As a result, it is possible to provide a droplet generation module having a channel structure capable of forming more droplet generation channels and saving space.

Further, since the direction of the discharge ports of the droplet generation flow path is concentrated at one point, a configuration for discharging the droplets discharged from each discharge port to the outside of the droplet generation module (for example, the droplet is a base member) It is possible to simplify the derivation path for derivation to the outside. For example, instead of providing a separate outlet for each outlet, the outlet for each outlet is shared by one outlet, etc., simplifying the configuration for discharging droplets to the outside can do.

(A) is a plan view of a droplet generation module according to the present embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the droplet generation module taken along the line JJ in FIG. It is a perspective view of a droplet generator. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the droplet generator at the time of planar view. (A) is a diagram showing a droplet generator along the line AA in FIG. 3, and (b) is a diagram showing a droplet generator along the line BB in FIG. is there. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a droplet generator according to a cross section taken along line CC in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a droplet generator according to a cross section taken along line DD in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a droplet generator according to a cross section taken along line EE in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a droplet generator according to a cross section taken along line FF in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a droplet generator according to a cross section taken along line GG in FIG. 3. It is explanatory drawing which shows the manufacturing process of the microparticles using a droplet generator. It is explanatory drawing which shows the production | generation method of the droplet by a droplet generator. (A) is a top view of the droplet generator concerning the modification of this embodiment, (b) is a top view of the droplet generator concerning the modification of this embodiment. It is a top view of the droplet production | generation flow path concerning the modification of this embodiment. It is a top view of the droplet production | generation flow path concerning the modification of this embodiment. It is a top view of the droplet production | generation flow path concerning the modification of this embodiment. It is a perspective view of the droplet production | generation flow path concerning the modification of this embodiment. It is a perspective view of the droplet production | generation flow path concerning the modification of this embodiment. It is a top view of the droplet generator concerning the modification of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Outline of droplet generation module)
First, the outline of the droplet generation module according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1A is a plan view of a droplet generation module according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the droplet generation module taken along the line JJ in FIG. The droplet generation module 1 includes a base member 2 and a flow channel structure 300 formed on the base member 2. The channel structure 300 has a plurality of droplet generation channels 3, and each droplet generation channel 3 circulates a liquid dispersed phase material 200 (FIG. 2) and a liquid continuous phase material 100 (FIG. 2). The droplets 201 (FIG. 2) of the dispersed phase material 200 are generated by the shearing force of the continuous phase material 100. Each droplet generation flow path 3 includes

discharge ports

112 and 122 for discharging the generated droplets 201. The plurality of droplet generation flow paths 3 are arranged so that the

discharge ports

112 and 122 are directed to a single point P.

According to the above configuration, the plurality of droplet generation flow paths 3 are arranged in the base member so that the direction of each

discharge port

112, 122 is directed to one point P. In this way, by concentrating the directions of the

discharge ports

112 and 122 at one point P, it is possible to configure the discharge ports so as to be concentrated in a region around the point P. Thus, for example, the space of the base member 2 required for the

discharge ports

112 and 122 can be saved as compared with the case where the directions of the

discharge ports

112 and 122 are dispersed or the same. it can.

Further, since the directions of the

discharge ports

112 and 122 of the droplet generation flow path 3 are concentrated at one point P, the droplets 201 discharged from the

discharge ports

112 and 122 are discharged to the outside of the droplet generation module 1. Therefore, the configuration (for example, the lead-out path 2a for leading the droplet 201 to the outside of the base member 2) can be simplified. In the present embodiment, the

outlets

112 and 122 are not provided with separate outlets, but the

outlets

112 and 122 share one outlet path 2a, so that the droplets 201 are discharged to the outside. The configuration can be simplified.

(Detailed description of the droplet generation module)
Hereinafter, the droplet generation module 1 configured as described above will be described in more detail.

First, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The droplet generation module 1 includes one droplet generation channel 3 (in this embodiment, one dispersed phase channel 10, one communication channel 13, and three

continuous phase channels

11, 12, and 14). A plurality of droplet generators 4 (for example, 70) having a single flow path) are provided. In other words, the droplet generation module 1 has a channel structure 300 having a plurality of droplet generation channels 3 such as 70 formed on the base member 2. The base member 2 is made of a material such as a transparent acrylic resin, has a predetermined thickness, and is formed in a square shape when viewed from above. In the base member 2, an upper substrate 22 is laminated on a lower substrate 21. The method of joining the lower substrate 21 and the upper substrate 22 is not limited, but it is preferable that the lower substrate 21 and the upper substrate 22 are detachably joined by bolting or the like.

The flow path structure 300 is formed on the upper surface of the lower substrate 21. Since the upper substrate 22 is transparent, as shown in FIG. 1A, the flow path structure 300 is made visible through the upper substrate 22 when the droplet generation module 1 is viewed in plan. The channel structure 300 is formed by unitizing a plurality of droplet generation channels 3. Specifically, in the flow channel structure 300, the plurality of droplet generation flow channels 3 are arranged in an annular shape by being arranged on a circular line segment having a diameter of 50 mm or the like. The arrangement intervals of the droplet generation channels 3 in the channel structure 300 are set at equal intervals, but are not limited to the equal intervals.

Each droplet generation flow path 3 is arranged so that the flow path direction is directed to the center point (one point P) of the ring. In other words, the plurality of droplet generation flow paths 3 are arranged in an annular shape centered on one point P. One point P is set on the same horizontal plane as the flow path structure 300. At the end (downstream end) of each droplet generation channel 3, discharge

ports

112 and 122 are formed so as to face one point P, and the droplet generation channel 3 generated from the

discharge ports

112 and 122. A droplet 201 is discharged. In this way, since the plurality of droplet generation flow paths 3 are arranged so that the directions of the

discharge ports

112 and 122 are concentrated at one point P, the

discharge ports

112 and 122 are concentrated in a region around the point P. Can be made. For this reason, a plurality of droplet generation flow paths 3 can be arranged in a space-saving manner by the amount where the

discharge ports

112 and 122 are densely packed. Moreover, in this embodiment, since each discharge port 112,122 is arrange | positioned equidistantly from the said one point P, the space of the base member 2 required for the discharge port 112,122 becomes a space saving. As a result, the flow path structure 300 can be formed in a space-saving manner even when a large number of droplet generation flow paths 3 are provided.

A single lead-out path 2a for discharging the droplet 201 to the outside is formed at a position corresponding to one point P on the lower substrate 21, that is, at the center of the ring. Specifically, the lead-out path 2a is a through hole that penetrates the lower substrate 21, and has a substantially circular shape in plan view. The

outlets

112 and 122 of the channel structure 300 are communicated with the outlet channel 2a, whereby the droplets 201 generated in each droplet generation channel 3 are connected to the outside of the base member 2 to the outlet channel 2a. It is discharged through. In this way, the single outlet 2a is shared by the

discharge ports

112 and 122. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the space for the droplet derivation structure by an amount that does not arrange the respective derivation paths for the

discharge ports

112 and 122. In addition, since the formation position of the lead-out path 2a is a position corresponding to one point P, it is easy to have a configuration in which the

discharge ports

112 and 122 and the lead-out path 2a are in direct communication. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the space of the lead-out structure of the droplet 201.

The lower opening of the outlet path 2a is connected to a recovery pipe (not shown) so that the liquid droplets extracted from the outlet path 2a are collected and discharged to the next process through the recovery pipe. . The discharged droplets 201 become microparticles 202 that are used for, for example, embolization or DDS, through a predetermined process. Details of the predetermined process will be described later.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the droplet generator 4 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the droplet generator shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the droplet generator in a plan view. 4A is a diagram showing a droplet generator taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the droplet generator taken along the line BB in FIG. FIG. FIG. 5 is a view showing a droplet generator according to a cross section taken along the line CC in FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing a droplet generator according to a cross section taken along line DD in FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing a droplet generator according to a cross section taken along line EE in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a droplet generator according to the cross section taken along the line FF in FIG. FIG. 9 is a view showing a droplet generator according to the cross section taken along the line GG in FIG.

(Outline of droplet generator)
First, the outline of the configuration of the droplet generator 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 2, the X direction is the “width direction” of the droplet generator 4, the Z direction is the “depth direction” of the droplet generator 4, and the Y direction is the “height direction” of the droplet generator 4. To do.

The droplet generator 4 divides the flow direction of the dispersed phase material 200 into a plurality of directions, crosses the flow direction of the continuous phase material 100 with respect to the flow direction of the dispersed phase material 200 at the branch destination, and the continuous generated by the intersection The droplets 201 of the dispersed phase material 200 are generated by the shearing force of the phase material 100.

That is, the droplet generator 4 includes a plurality of

continuous phase channels

11 and 12 through which the liquid continuous phase material 100 circulates, a single dispersed phase channel 10 through which the liquid dispersed phase material 200 circulates, and a dispersed phase flow. The channel 10 is communicated with the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 through the

communication ports

133 and 134, respectively, and the droplets 201 of the dispersed phase material 200 are generated by the shearing force of the continuous phase material 100 at the

communication ports

133 and 134. The communication channel 13 is formed as described above.

According to the above configuration, the dispersed phase material 200 flows from the single dispersed phase channel 10 into the plurality of

continuous phase channels

11 and 12 through the

communication ports

133 and 134 by the communicating channel 13. The continuous phase material 100 is circulated through each continuous

phase flow path

11, 12, and the dispersed phase material 200 flowing from the

communication ports

133, 134 is dispersed into droplets 201 by the shearing force of the continuous phase material 100, thereby dispersing A droplet 201 of the phase material 200 is generated in each continuous

phase flow path

11, 12. As described above, the dispersed phase material 200 is caused to flow into the plurality of

continuous phase channels

11 and 12 from the single dispersed phase channel 10 to generate the droplets 201 of the dispersed phase material 200. For this reason, according to the said structure, since the single dispersion phase flow path 10 is shared with respect to the several continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12, several continuous phase flow paths 11 are conventionally used. Compared to the configuration in which the dispersed phase material 200 is introduced from the same number of dispersed phase flow paths 10 with respect to 12, the number of dispersed phase flow paths 10 can be reduced while maintaining the number of droplets 201 generated. it can. As a result, since the space for disposing the dispersed phase channel 10 can be reduced, a large number of

continuous phase channels

11 and 12 can be arranged in the channel structure 300, and per unit time of the droplet 201 of the dispersed phase material 200. Productivity can be improved.

In addition, the droplet generation flow path 3 has a continuous phase flow path 14 through which the continuous phase material 100 flows. The communication channel 13 is continuous so that the continuous phase material 100 from the continuous phase channel 14 flows through the downstream side of the continuous phase material 100 flowing through the

continuous phase channels

11 and 12 at the

communication ports

133 and 134. It communicates with the phase flow path 14. Specifically, one end of the continuous phase flow path 14 is communicated with the communication flow path 13. The communication position in the communication channel 13 is a position facing the communication position of the dispersed phase channel 10.

For this reason, in the communication channel 13, the continuous phase material 100 introduced from the continuous phase channel 14 and the dispersed phase material 200 introduced from the dispersed phase channel 10 collide with each other. Due to this collision, in the communication channel 13, the dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 are branched at the positions where they collide, and are directed to both the continuous phase channel 11 and the continuous phase channel 12. Here, in a state where the dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 are formed into two layers due to the collision between the dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100, the communication channel 13 passes through the

communication ports

133 and 134. It flows into the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12. The flow form of the two-layer dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 is a form in which the continuous phase material 100 is circulated downstream of the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 at the

communication ports

133 and 134. Therefore, even if the two-phase dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 are pressed against the

communication ports

133 and 134 by the continuous phase material 100 flowing through the continuous

phase flow channels

11 and 12, the two layers are formed. Thus, the continuous phase material 100 can effectively prevent the dispersed phase material 200 from adhering to the

communication ports

133 and 134.

Next, the flow paths constituting the droplet generation flow path 3 of the droplet generator 4 will be described individually with reference to FIGS.
(Droplet generator 4: Dispersed phase channel 10)
The dispersed phase flow channel 10 is formed as a long, substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped circulation space whose longitudinal section is substantially square (for example, a substantially square having a width and a height of 0.5 mm). The dispersed phase channel 10 is formed to extend from one end side (left end side in FIG. 2) in the width direction of the lower substrate 21 to the vicinity of the center. Moreover, the dispersed phase flow path 10 has a dispersed phase material introducing portion 101 formed on the bottom surface of one end thereof (one left end in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 5, the dispersed phase material introducing portion 101 is a tubular through-hole formed in the lower substrate 21. A supply device (not shown) for the dispersed phase material 200 is detachably connected to the lower end (opening) of the dispersed phase material introducing portion 101. The supply device (not shown) includes a temperature controller and a flow rate regulator, and supplies the dispersed phase material 200 to the dispersed phase material introduction unit 101 at a desired temperature, flow rate, and flow rate.

The dispersed phase flow path 10 is in communication with the communication flow path 13 through the communication port 131 at the side portion on the other end side of the one end. As a result, the dispersed phase flow channel 10 allows the dispersed phase material 200 supplied from the dispersed phase material introduction unit 101 to flow into the communication flow channel 13 via the communication port 131.

(Droplet generator 4: Communication channel 13)
The communication flow path 13 is formed as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped distribution space having a substantially square cross section (for example, a substantially square having a width and a height of 0.5 mm). The communication flow path 13 is formed so as to extend in the depth direction at the center in the width direction of the lower substrate 21. The communication channel 13 communicates with the dispersed phase channel 10 through the communication port 131 on one side surface (the left side surface in FIG. 2) on the width direction side as described above. The communication port 131 is formed at the center in the depth direction on the one side surface. In addition, the communication channel 13 has a communication port 132 formed at a position facing the communication port 131, and communicates with the continuous phase channel 14 via the communication port 132. As a result, the continuous phase material 100 flows into the communication flow path 13 from the continuous phase flow path 14 via the communication port 132.

As described above, in the communication flow path 13, the communication port 131 and the communication port 132 are formed so as to face each other. For this reason, the communication port is a region (collision region) between the communication port 131 and the communication port 132. The dispersed phase material 200 introduced from 131 and the continuous phase material 100 introduced from the communication port 132 collide with each other. As a result, the communication channel 13 divides the dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 into two layers in the collision region and circulates toward both ends of the communication channel 13. .

Further, the communication channel 13 has a communication port 133 with the continuous phase channel 11 formed on one side (the front side in FIG. 2) in the depth direction. As a result, the communication flow path 13 causes the dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 having two layers to flow into the continuous phase flow path 11 through the communication port 133. The communication channel 13 is formed with a communication port 134 with the continuous phase channel 12 on the side opposite to the one side (the rear side in FIG. 2). As a result, the communication flow path 13 causes the two-layered dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 to flow into the continuous phase flow path 12 through the communication port 134.

(Droplet generator 4: Continuous phase flow path 14)
The continuous phase flow path 14 is formed as a long, substantially rectangular parallelepiped circulation space whose cross section is approximately square (for example, approximately square having a width and height of 0.5 mm). As shown in FIG. 4A, the continuous phase channel 14 is formed on the downstream side of the dispersed phase channel 10 so as to be adjacent to the dispersed phase channel 10 via the communication channel 13. Further, the continuous phase flow path 14 is formed to extend on the same straight line as the dispersed phase flow path 10. The continuous phase flow path 14 is connected to the communication flow path 13 through the communication port 132 as described above at one end on the dispersed phase flow path 10 side. Moreover, the continuous phase flow path 14 has a continuous phase material introducing portion 141 formed on the bottom surface at the other end.

The continuous phase material introducing portion 141 is a tubular through-hole formed in the lower substrate 21 as shown in FIG. A supply device for the continuous phase material 100 (not shown) is detachably connected to the lower end (opening) of the continuous phase material introducing portion 141. The supply device includes a temperature controller and a flow rate adjuster, and supplies the continuous phase material 100 to the continuous phase material introduction unit 141 at a desired temperature, flow rate, and flow rate. As a result, the continuous phase flow path 14 causes the continuous phase material 100 supplied from the continuous phase material introducing portion 141 to flow toward the communication port 132 and to flow into the communication flow channel 13 via the communication port 132. Is formed.

(Droplet generator 4: Continuous phase flow path 11, 12)
Each of the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 is formed on the upper surface of the lower substrate 21 as a circulation space having a substantially square cross section (for example, a substantially square having a width and a height of 0.5 mm). The continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 are formed so as to extend from one end side (one left end in FIG. 2) in the width direction of the lower substrate 21 to the other end. When the droplet generator 4 is arranged so that the dispersed phase channel 10 is on the left side and the continuous phase channel 14 is on the right side (when arranged in the state of FIG. 2), the continuous phase channel 12 The continuous phase flow path 11 is formed on the front side of the dispersed phase flow path 10.

In addition, a continuous phase material introducing portion 111 is formed on the bottom surface of one end of the continuous phase flow channel 11 (left end in FIG. 2), and on the bottom surface of one end of the continuous phase flow channel 12 (left end in FIG. 2). The continuous phase material introduction part 121 is formed. The continuous phase

material introducing portions

111 and 121 are tubular through holes formed in the lower substrate 21 as shown in FIG. A supply device (not shown) for the continuous phase material 100 is detachably connected to the lower ends (openings) of the continuous phase

material introducing portions

111 and 121, respectively. The supply device (not shown) includes a temperature controller and a flow rate regulator, and supplies the continuous phase material 100 to the continuous phase

material introduction units

111 and 121 at a desired temperature, flow rate, and flow rate. In the first embodiment, a supply device (not shown) for supplying continuous phase material 100 to continuous phase

material introduction units

111 and 121 supplies continuous phase material 100 to continuous phase material introduction unit 141. These supply devices (not shown) are prepared separately, and the supply of the continuous phase material 100 of these supply devices (not shown) is individually controlled.

The continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 are formed with

discharge ports

112 and 122 at the other end side, and the continuous phase material 100 supplied from the continuous phase

material introduction portions

111 and 121 is supplied to the

discharge ports

112 and 122. It is made to distribute | circulate toward and it is made to discharge from the

discharge ports

112 and 122. FIG. Moreover, the continuous phase flow path 11 is connected to the communication flow path 13 through the communication port 133 as described above on one side surface of the dispersed phase flow path 10 side (the back side in FIG. 2). As a result, as described above, the two-phase dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 are allowed to flow into the continuous phase flow channel 11 from the communication flow channel 13 through the communication port 133. .

Further, the continuous phase flow path 12 is also connected to the communication flow path 13 through the communication port 134 as described above on one side of the dispersed phase flow path 10 side (front side in FIG. 2). Thereby, as described above, the two-phase dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 flow into the continuous phase flow channel 12 from the communication flow channel 13 through the communication port 134.

As described above, the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 are formed such that the two-layered dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 are introduced from the communication flow path 13 through the

communication ports

133 and 134. Yes. Here, in the

communication ports

133 and 134, the continuous phase material 100 constituting the two layers flows through the downstream side of the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12. For this reason, the dispersed phase material 200 is sheared from both sides by a shearing force between the continuous phase material 100 flowing through the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 and the continuous phase material 100 constituting two layers, and is formed into droplets. . The droplets 201 of the dispersed phase material 200 generated in this way are discharged from the

discharge ports

112 and 122 together with the continuous phase material 100. The

discharge ports

112 and 122 are connected to a mechanism or device used in a subsequent process such as a cooling process, and the droplet 201 is collected by these mechanism or device.

In order to suitably generate the droplets of the dispersed phase material 200, the dimensions of the dispersed phase channel 10, the

continuous phase channels

11, 12, 14 and the communication channel 13 may be formed as follows. preferable. As shown in FIG. 3, in the depth direction of the droplet generator 4, the length of the communication channel 13 from the communication port 134 to the dispersed phase channel 10 and the communication channel from the communication port 133 to the dispersed phase channel 10. The length of 13 is preferably substantially the same.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the length from the continuous phase material introduction unit 111 to the communication port 133 in the width direction of the droplet generator 4 is the continuous phase material introduction. It is preferable that the length from the portion 121 to the communication port 134 is substantially the same.

(Droplet generation module 1: base member 2)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the base member 2 of the droplet generation module 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the base member 2 has a substantially square lower substrate 21 having a lead-out path 2a in the center in plan view and a predetermined thickness, It is comprised with the substantially square upper side board | substrate 22 which has thickness. The base member 2 is not limited as long as the base member 2 is formed of a material having properties that are difficult to wet with respect to the dispersed phase material 200. Specifically, the lower substrate 21 is made of a resin material such as polycarbonate or the surface is hydrophobized. It consists of a treated metal material such as stainless steel or glass. The upper substrate 22 can also be made of the same material as the lower substrate 21, but is preferably made of polycarbonate, acrylic resin, glass whose surface has been hydrophobized, or the like, and is formed transparently. The lower substrate 21 has a bonding surface 21a (flow path forming region) on its upper surface, and the upper substrate 22 has a bonding surface 22a on its lower surface. By bonding the bonding surface 21a of the lower substrate 21 and the bonding surface 22a of the upper substrate 22 to face each other, the lower substrate 21 and the upper substrate 22 are integrated.

A plurality of droplet generation channels 3 are formed radially on the bonding surface 21a of the lower substrate 21 around the outlet channel 2a by grooves or the like. Specifically, each dispersed phase flow path 10, each continuous

phase flow path

11, 12, 14, and each communication flow path 13 are formed on the bonding surface 21a. Further, the continuous

substrate introduction parts

111, 121, and 141 and the dispersed phase material introduction parts 101 are formed in the lower substrate 21 as through holes formed in the thickness direction. In the lower substrate 21, the terminal ends of the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 are penetrated with respect to the lead-out path 2 a, and the through portions serve as

discharge ports

112 and 122.

(Dispersed phase material 200)
Next, the dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 used in the droplet generation module 1 will be described. The dispersed phase material 200 is not particularly limited as long as it is a liquid that becomes a dispersoid of the emulsion. For example, when the microparticles 202 are used in an arterial embolization treatment method for treating liver cancer, uterine fibroids, kidney cancer, kidney cancer, etc., an aqueous gelatin solution is used as the dispersed phase material 200. The kind of gelatin in the gelatin aqueous solution is not particularly limited. For example, gelatin derived from cow bone, cow skin, pork bone, pig skin, or the like can be used. Further, the dispersed phase material 200 may be a liquid containing a drug component. Since the fine particles 202 generated from the dispersed phase material 200 containing such a drug component have a sustained release property of the drug component, for example, it may be used in DDS or the like.

The temperature of the gelatin aqueous solution that is the liquid dispersed phase material 200 needs to be 20 ° C. or higher, which is the gelatinization temperature of gelatin. The reason for this is that when the temperature of the gelatin aqueous solution is equal to or lower than the gelatin gelation temperature, the gelatin aqueous solution gels at the

communication ports

131, 133, and 134, and the

communication ports

131, 133, and 134 are likely to be blocked. This is because the gelatin aqueous solution cannot be quantified and the gelatin aqueous solution is not detached from the

communication ports

131, 133, and 134, so that the particle size variation often occurs.

The concentration of the gelatin aqueous solution is preferably 2% by weight to 20% by weight, particularly preferably 5% by weight to 15% by weight. The reason why the lower limit of the concentration is 2% by weight is that it is difficult to produce spherical particles in the case of an aqueous solution of less than 2% by weight. On the other hand, the reason why the upper limit value of the concentration is set to 20% by weight is that when the concentration exceeds 20% by weight, the aqueous solution becomes highly viscous. This is because it is difficult for the aqueous solution to flow out of the

ports

131, 133, and 134.

The shape of the gelatin particle from the droplet 201 to the microparticle 202 is preferably not spherical but spherical as much as possible. In particular, when the microparticle 202 is used as an embolic particle, when the microparticle 202 is injected into the blood vessel and embolized, the blood vessel can be embolized at a portion closer to the target site by making it spherical, Moreover, the pain given to the patient can be reduced. In addition, the particle size of the fine particles 202 is suitably selected from three types of 40 to 100 μm, 150 to 300 μm, and 400 to 1000 μm. The reason why there are three types of suitable particle diameters is that in addition to the purpose of embolizing the blood vessel as close as possible to the target site, it is possible to use properly according to the size of the blood vessel so as not to adversely affect the healthy part Because. Note that small-diameter particles of less than 40 μm are not preferable because they embolize blood vessels other than the target site.

(Continuous phase material 100)
The continuous phase material 100 is not particularly limited as long as it is a liquid that serves as a dispersion medium for the emulsion. When the continuous phase material 100 is a hydrophobic solvent used for the microparticles 202 that are embolic particles, any pharmaceutically acceptable substance may be used, for example, vegetable oil such as olive oil, fatty acid such as oleic acid, and the like. , Fatty acid esters such as glyceryl tricaprylate, hydrocarbon solvents such as hexane, and the like can be used. In particular, olive oil and glyceryl tricaprylate, which is a medium-chain fatty acid ester that is difficult to oxidize, are preferred.

(Method for creating droplet generation module 1)
Hereinafter, the generation method of the droplet generation module 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, a lower substrate 21 and an upper substrate 22 are prepared. On the bonding surface 21 a of the lower substrate 21, 70 grooves serving as the droplet generation flow paths 3 are formed so as to be arranged in a substantially annular shape around the lead-out path 2 a. Specifically, for each droplet generation channel 3, grooves that become the dispersed phase channel 10, the

continuous phase channels

11, 12, and 14 and the communication channel 13 are formed by cutting, etching, laser processing, or the like. . In addition, the

discharge ports

112 and 122 in the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 are formed so as to face the center of the circle (the outlet path 2a side). Furthermore, through-holes that become the dispersed phase material introducing portion 101 and the continuous phase

material introducing portions

111, 121, and 141 are formed. Thereafter, the droplet generation module 1 is generated by bonding the bonding surface 21a of the lower substrate 21 and the bonding surface 22a of the upper substrate 22 in a liquid-tight state using an adhesive, screws, or the like.

Hereinafter, a method for generating the microparticles 202 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a manufacturing process of microparticles using a droplet generator. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a droplet generation method by the droplet generator. For convenience, only one droplet generator 4 in the droplet generation module 1 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, but all the droplet generators 4 (droplet generation flow) of the droplet generation module 1 are shown. In the path 3), the microparticles 202 are generated by the method described below.

(Method for generating microparticles 202)
First, referring to FIG. 11, each dispersed phase material introduction section 101 is connected to a supply device (not shown) for dispersed phase material 200 via a tube. At the same time, each of the continuous phase

material introducing portions

111 and 121 is connected to a supply device (not shown) for the continuous phase material 100 through a tube. Moreover, the continuous phase material introducing | transducing part 141 is connected to the supply apparatus (illustration omitted) for the other continuous phase material 100 through a tube. Then, the lead-out path 2a is connected to a mechanism or equipment for a subsequent process (for example, the container 5) via a tube or the like. In addition, although the processing content of the post-process differs depending on the application, when the microparticles 202 used for embolization are manufactured, the cooling process is a post-process, and then the dehydration process, the cleaning process, and the cross-linking process are performed. Is called.

(Method for generating microparticles 202: droplet generation step)
When the droplet generation module 1 is connected to the supply device (not shown) and the mechanism or equipment for the post-process (for example, the container 5) as described above, the gelatin that is the dispersed phase material 200 is next. Is swollen in water at room temperature. Next, a stirrer, a stirring blade or a shaker is used, and the gelatin is completely dissolved in hot water of about 40 ° C. to 60 ° C. by stirring for about 0.5 hours to about 1.5 hours, An aqueous gelatin solution is produced. Thereafter, the olive oil as the continuous phase material 100 is supplied to the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 through the continuous phase

material introduction sections

111 and 121 by a supply device (not shown) for the continuous phase material 100. At the same time, olive oil is supplied to the continuous phase flow path 14 via the continuous phase material introduction part 141 by another supply device (not shown) for the continuous phase material 100. Thereafter, the gelatin aqueous solution is supplied to the dispersed phase flow path 10 via the dispersed phase material introduction unit 101 by a supply device (not shown) for the dispersed phase material 200.

More specifically, the continuous

phase flow paths

11, 12, and 14 are supplied with liquid olive oil from a supply device (not shown) for the continuous phase material 100 and another supply device (not shown) for the continuous phase material 100. Temperature and flow rate. For example, the predetermined temperature is 40 ° C. and the predetermined flow rate is 1 ml / h. Then, at a timing when the olive oil is filled in the continuous

phase flow paths

11, 12, and 14 and is discharged from the

discharge ports

112 and 122 with a stable discharge amount, the gelatin aqueous solution is supplied from the supply device for the dispersed phase material 200 to a predetermined temperature. And is supplied to the dispersed phase flow path 10 at a flow rate. For example, the temperature is 40 ° C. and the flow rate is 1 ml / h. In addition, it is preferable that the gelatin aqueous solution and the olive oil have the same temperature in terms of not changing the physical properties of the dispersed phase material 200 in the communication channel 13 and the

continuous phase channels

11 and 12.

When the gelatin aqueous solution and the olive oil are supplied as described above, the gelatin aqueous solution flows from the dispersed phase material introducing portion 101 toward the communication port 131 as shown in FIG. 10B. The aqueous gelatin solution flows into the communication channel 13 through the communication port 131. In the continuous phase flow path 14, olive oil introduced from the continuous phase material introducing portion 141 flows toward the communication port 132, and this olive oil communicates with a region (collision region) between the communication port 131 and the communication port 132. Inflow through the mouth 132. The gelatin aqueous solution collides with the olive oil introduced from the communication port 132 in the collision area. As a result of this collision, the gelatin aqueous solution and olive oil become two-layered, and branch in two directions in the collision area toward the

communication ports

133 and 134.

The two-layer gelatin aqueous solution and olive oil flow into the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 through the

communication ports

133 and 134. In the

continuous phase channels

11 and 12, olive oil is supplied from the continuous phase

material introduction sections

111 and 121 and flows toward the

discharge ports

112 and 122. The olive oil flows through the two-layer gelatin aqueous solution at the

communication ports

133 and 134. And circulate so as to cross the flow of olive oil. Accordingly, the two-layer gelatin aqueous solution and olive oil that have flowed in from the

communication ports

133 and 134 are caused to flow downstream by the olive oil flowing through the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12. Here, in the

communication ports

133 and 134, in the above two layers, the gelatin aqueous solution flows through the upstream side of the olive oil flowing through the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12, and the olive oil flows through the downstream side. Therefore, at the

communication ports

133 and 134, the gelatin aqueous solution is sandwiched from both sides by the olive oil constituting the two layers and the olive oil flowing through the continuous

phase flow channels

11 and 12, and is sheared from both sides by these olive oils to form droplets. It becomes.

As described above, the droplet generator 4 causes the dispersed phase material 200 to flow from the single dispersed phase channel 10 into the two

continuous phase channels

11 and 12, and thereby the single dispersed phase channel 10. The droplets 201 of the dispersed phase material 200 are generated by the two continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12. As a result, the droplet generation flow path 3 is a unit that is space-saving compared to a conventional liquid suitability flow path that must form the same number of dispersed phase flow paths for a plurality of continuous phase flow paths. It is possible to generate the same number of droplets 201 per hour. Thereby, the number of the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 formed in the joining surface 21a can be increased.

Further, the droplet generator 4 circulates the two-layer gelatin aqueous solution and olive oil at the

communication ports

133 and 134, and this olive oil circulates downstream of the olive oil that circulates in the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12. I am letting. As described above, the two-layer gelatin aqueous solution and olive oil are pushed to the downstream side of the olive oil by the olive oil flowing through the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12. Here, if olive oil is not distributed along with the gelatin aqueous solution in two layers, the gelatin aqueous solution adheres to the communication ports 133 and 134 (the edge located on the downstream side of the continuous phase flow channels 11 and 12). In the first embodiment, olive oil is circulated downstream of the continuous-

phase flow paths

11 and 12 at the

communication ports

133 and 134, so that the adhesion of the gelatin aqueous solution is prevented by the olive oil. As a result, the hydrophilicity of the channel wall surface at the

communication ports

133 and 134 is suppressed, and stable droplet generation can be realized over a long period of time.

The emulsion composed of the droplets 201 and the continuous phase material 100 generated as described above is discharged from the

discharge ports

112 and 122 to the single lead-out path 2a. When the droplet 201 is discharged from the droplet generator 4 in this way, the particle size of the droplet 201 is measured by a particle size distribution detector (not shown) or the like. Then, the flow rate (flow rate per unit time) and temperature of the dispersed phase material 200 and the continuous phase material 100 are adjusted manually or automatically by the operator, so that the droplets 201 are made uniform to a desired particle size.

(Cooling process)
The homogenized droplets 201 are put together with olive oil into olive oil stored in a container 5 having a temperature control mechanism and a stirring mechanism. At this time, the temperature of the olive oil in the container 5 is adjusted in the range of 0 ° C. to 60 ° C., that is, below the gelation temperature of the gelatin aqueous solution. Thereby, gelation of the droplet 201 is started immediately after the droplet 201 is put into the container 5, and the droplet 201 becomes the gel particle 203. Thereby, adhesion and aggregation of the droplets 201 are prevented, and deformation and separation of the gel particles 203 due to an external force such as collision between the gel particles 203 are suppressed. In addition, when cooling below the freezing point of olive oil (oil) is required in the cooling step for gelation after the generation of the droplet 201, a dehydrated solvent (because the freezing point of the solvent is low) is previously generated when the droplet is generated. It is preferable to add (mix) the olive oil in the container 5 to the (droplet producing step). In this case, the freezing point of the mixed liquid in the container 5 can be lowered to prevent the emulsion liquid (emulsion) from solidifying.

(Dehydration process)
When a predetermined number or a predetermined amount or more of gel particles 203 are generated in the container 5, subsequently, a dehydrated solvent having a gelation temperature or lower is introduced into the container 5 and mixed with the olive oil in the container 5. And the water | moisture content in the gel particle 203 is fully dehydrated by stirring and mixing for 15 minutes or more. Further, this prevents aggregation of the gel particles 203, and the gel particles 203 become dehydrated particles 204 that can be uniformly crosslinked in a subsequent process. As the dehydrating solvent, for example, a ketone solvent such as acetone or an alcohol solvent such as isopropyl alcohol can be used.

(Washing process)
Further, the cleaning process is performed simultaneously with or before or after the dehydration process. In this cleaning process, a poor solvent that does not dissolve gelatin is introduced into the container 5, and the dehydrated particles 204 are washed with this poor solvent. The poor solvent is preferably used at a temperature below the gelation temperature of gelatin. Examples of poor solvents that do not dissolve gelatin include ketone solvents such as acetone, alcohol solvents such as isopropyl alcohol, ester solvents such as ethyl acetate, hydrocarbon solvents such as toluene and hexane, and halogen solvents such as dichloroethane. Can be used. In the washing process, the operation of washing about 2 to 15 grams of gel particles 203 (or dehydrated particles 204) with about 200 to 300 ml of solvent for 15 to 30 minutes is defined as one cycle, and this is repeated for 4 to 6 cycles. Preferably it is done.

(Drying process)
Next, the dehydrated particles 204 are taken out from the container 5, and the dehydrated particles 204 are dried at a temperature at which gelatin is not dissolved. By this drying, the cleaning solvent attached to the dehydrated particles 204 is removed, and the water in the dehydrated particles 204 is removed, whereby the dehydrated particles 204 are made into dry particles 205. As a drying method, various methods such as ventilation drying, reduced pressure drying, and freeze drying can be used. In the drying step, the dehydrated particles 204 are preferably dried, for example, at 5 ° C. to 25 ° C. for about 12 hours or more, and more preferably in a reduced pressure atmosphere.

(Crosslinking process)
Next, the dried particles 205 are heated at a temperature of 80 to 250 ° C. for 0.5 to 120 hours. For example, if the microparticles 202 are used as embolic particles, this heating condition is the time required to completely decompose the microparticles 202 in the blood vessel, that is, after the blood vessel is embolized with the microparticles 202, It is determined according to the period required before resuming the flow. The heating time depends on the heating temperature. Generally, in order to necrotize a tumor (cancer), it is sufficient to embolize a blood vessel for 2 to 3 days. Therefore, for example, when the decomposition period of the microparticles 202 is set to 3 to 7 days, the heating crosslinking conditions are 100 ° C. to 180 ° C., and the dry particles 205 are heated for 1 hour to 24 hours. Is preferred. In addition, when using the microparticle 202 by DDS, it is preferable that heating conditions are determined according to the period which releases a chemical | medical component in a body. In order to avoid problems such as oxidation of the dry particles 205, it is preferable to carry out under reduced pressure or in an inert gas atmosphere.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the base member 2 is formed such that the direction of each of the

discharge ports

112 and 122 faces the single point P. In this way, by concentrating the directions of the

discharge ports

112 and 122 at one point P, the

discharge ports

112 and 122 can be concentrated. As a result, it is possible to arrange a large number of droplet generation flow paths 3 in a space-saving manner corresponding to the density of the

discharge ports

112 and 122. As a result, it is possible to provide a droplet generation module including a channel structure 300 in which a plurality of droplet generation channels 3 can be formed and a plurality of droplet generation channels 3 are arranged in a space-saving manner. it can.

Moreover, since the direction of each discharge port 112,122 concentrates on one point P, the structure for discharging the droplet 201 discharged | emitted from each discharge port 112,122 to the exterior of the droplet generation module 1 (for example, derivation | leading-out) The path 2a and the like can be simplified. For example, instead of providing a separate outlet for each

outlet

112, 122, the outlet 201 for each

outlet

112, 122 is shared by one outlet 2a. The structure for discharging can be simplified.

Although the present embodiment has been described above, it is merely a specific example, and the present invention is not particularly limited, and the specific configuration and the like can be appropriately changed in design. In addition, the actions and effects described in the present embodiment are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are those described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to.

In the droplet generation module according to the present invention relating to the present embodiment, a base member, a liquid dispersed phase material and a liquid continuous phase material are circulated, and droplets of the dispersed phase material are generated by the shearing force of the continuous phase material. A flow path structure formed on the base member so as to have a plurality of liquid droplet generation flow paths provided with discharge ports for generating and discharging the generated liquid droplets, and each discharge port is directed to one point Any configuration may be adopted as long as the configuration includes

(Modification of this embodiment)
Hereinafter, modifications of the present embodiment will be described.
(1) In the droplet generation module 1 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of droplet generation flow paths 3 are arranged in an annular shape centered on one point P, as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b). It does not have to be arranged in an annular shape. The plurality of droplet generation flow paths 3 may be arranged in any manner as long as the

discharge ports

112 and 122 are arranged so as to face the single point P. 12A and 12B are plan views of a droplet generation module according to a modification of the present embodiment. The droplet generation module 1A according to the modification shown in FIG. 12A has droplets at four locations, directly above, directly below, left side, and right side, with the lead-out path 2a as the center when one side is arranged upward in plan view. A generation flow path 3 is formed. In addition, the droplet generation module 1B according to the modification shown in FIG. 12B has a droplet generation flow path in two places on the left side and the right side with respect to the lead-out path 2a when one side is arranged upward in plan view. 3 is formed. In the modified example shown in FIG. 12B, many droplet generation channels 3 are not formed in a space-saving manner, but each

discharge port

112, 122 shares a single outlet channel 2a. Therefore, there is an effect that the structure for leading out droplets can be simplified.

(2) The number of flow path structures 300 formed in the droplet generation module 1 is not limited to one, and may be plural. The plurality of flow path structures may be arranged in parallel or arranged side by side in the height direction.

(3) The shape of the droplet generation flow path 3 may be any shape as long as the

discharge ports

112 and 122 are directed to one point P, and is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment. For example, the following shape can be adopted as the shape of the droplet generation flow path 3.

(I) For example, as in the modification shown in FIG. 13, the continuous phase flow path 14 does not necessarily have to be formed. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a droplet generation flow path according to a modification of the present embodiment.

(Ii) Further, the droplet generation flow path 3 according to the present embodiment is a flow path formed so that the communication flow path 13 extends in a straight line, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the communication flow path 13 may have a refracting part as in the modification shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a plan view of a droplet generation channel according to a modification of the present embodiment. The communication channel 13 of the droplet generation channel according to the modified example is formed on the same straight line as the dispersed phase channel 10 and is connected to the end of the dispersed phase channel 10 and the first channel 13a. The first flow path 13a is formed to bend from the start end, and the continuous flow path 12 and the dispersed phase flow path 10 are communicated with each other, and the second flow path 13b is formed to be bent from the end of the first flow path 13a. And a third flow path 13c that allows the continuous phase flow path 11 and the dispersed phase flow path 10 to communicate with each other.

(Iii) In the present embodiment, the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 are substantially parallel to each other, but may not be substantially parallel as in the modification shown in FIG. 15, for example. FIG. 15 is a plan view of a droplet generation channel according to a modification of the present embodiment. In the droplet generation flow path according to the modification, the continuous phase flow path 11 is bent at an intermediate position, and the continuous phase flow path 11 and the continuous phase flow path 12 are not substantially parallel.

(Iv) Further, in the droplet generator 4 according to the present embodiment, the two continuous-

phase channels

11 and 12 commonly use the single dispersed-phase channel 10, but the modification shown in FIG. As described above, a single dispersed-phase channel 10 may be commonly used by three or more continuous-phase channels 11A. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a droplet generation flow path according to a modification of the present embodiment. The droplet generation channel according to this modification uses a single dispersed phase channel 10 with four continuous phase channels 11A (11A-1, 11A-2, 11A-3, 11A-4). Specifically, in the droplet generation channel according to the modification, the continuous phase channel 11A-1 and the continuous phase channel 11A-2 are formed so as to sandwich the dispersed phase channel 10 on the same horizontal plane. Furthermore, a continuous phase flow channel 11A-3 and a continuous phase flow channel 11A-4 are formed so as to sandwich the dispersed phase flow channel 10 on the same vertical plane. In the droplet generator according to the modified example, the communication channel 13 connects the dispersed phase channel 10 to the continuous phase channels 11A-1, 11A-2, 11A-311A-4 via the communication port 133.

(V) In the droplet generator 4 according to the present embodiment, the two

continuous phase channels

11 and 12 and the dispersed phase channel 10 are formed on the same horizontal plane, but the deformation shown in FIG. As an example, they may be formed on different horizontal planes. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a droplet generation channel according to a modification of the present embodiment. In FIG. 17, the continuous phase flow path 11, the dispersed phase flow path 10, and the continuous phase flow path 12 are formed on three different horizontal planes in this order from top to bottom. The communication channel 13 is formed so as to extend in the height direction, and the dispersed phase channel 10 is communicated with the continuous phase channel 11 and the continuous phase channel 12.

(Vi) Moreover, the droplet generation flow path 3 may have only one of the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12 as shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a plan view of a droplet generator 4A according to a modification of the present embodiment. The droplet generation flow path 3 </ b> A according to the modified example does not have the continuous phase flow path 12 among the continuous

phase flow paths

11 and 12, but has only the continuous phase flow path 11. In the droplet generation channel 3A, the communication channel 13A communicates the dispersed phase channel 10 and the continuous phase channel 11 via the communication port 133, but the opposite of the communication port 133 in the communication channel 13A. The side surface on the side is formed to be flush with the side surface of the dispersed phase flow channel 10 (the side surface far from the continuous phase flow channel 11 in the depth direction).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Droplet generation module 2 Base member 2a Derivation path 21 Lower substrate 22

Upper substrate

3, 3A

Droplet generation channel

4, 4A Droplet generator 5 Container 10 Dispersed phase channel 100 Continuous phase material 101 Dispersed phase

material introduction part

11, 12, 14 Continuous

phase flow path

111, 121, 141 Continuous phase

material introduction part

112, 122 Discharge port 13

Communication flow path

131, 132, 133, 134 Communication port 200 Dispersed phase material 201 Liquid droplet 202 Microparticle 203 Gel particle 204 Dehydrated particles 205 Dry particles 300 Channel structure

Claims

A base member;
A plurality of liquid phase-dispersed materials and liquid continuous-phase materials are circulated, droplets of the dispersed-phase material are generated by the shearing force of the continuous-phase materials, and a plurality of discharge ports are provided for discharging the generated droplets. A flow path structure formed in the base member so that the direction of each discharge port is directed to one point,
A droplet generating module comprising:
The plurality of droplet generation channels are arranged in an annular shape centered on the one point,
The droplet generation module according to claim 1.
A single outlet path for leading the droplets discharged from the outlets to the outside of the base member is formed at a position corresponding to the one point on the base member.
The droplet generation module according to claim 1.
Each of the droplet generation flow paths
A plurality of continuous phase passages that circulate the continuous phase material and have the outlet at the most downstream of the continuous phase material;
A single dispersed phase flow path for circulating the dispersed phase material;
The dispersed phase flow path is communicated with each continuous phase flow path via a communication port, and the dispersed phase material droplets are generated by the shearing force of the continuous phase material at each communication port. A communication channel;
The droplet generation module according to claim 1, comprising: