Patent ID: 11919002
Assignee: 10X GENOMICS, INC.
Field: Chemical engineering (Chemistry)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 5:
6. A method for processing a sample, the method comprising steps (a) to (d) in the following order:
a) providing a device for producing droplets of a first liquid in a second liquid, the device comprising:
(i) a first channel having a first depth, a first width, a first proximal end, and a first distal end;
(ii) a droplet formation region in fluid communication with the first channel;
(iii) a collection reservoir in fluid communication with the droplet formation region and configured to collect droplets formed in the droplet formation region, the collection reservoir having a top portion and a bottom portion;
(iv) an oil shunt channel controllably in fluid communication with the bottom portion or configured to be controllably in fluid communication with the bottom portion;
(v) one or more access channels configured to be controllably in fluid communication with the top portion of the collection reservoir; and
(vi) one or more thermal elements disposed to alter the temperature of the collection reservoir,, wherein the first channel and the droplet formation region are configured to produce droplets of the first liquid in the second liquid;
b) allowing the device to produce droplets of the sample to form an emulsion in the second liquid;
c) heating and/or cooling the emulsion thereby processing the sample; and
d) breaking the emulsion inside the collection reservoir to produce a liquid layer from the droplets of the sample in the collection reservoir.