Janus and ternary particles generated by microfluidic synthesis: design, synthesis, and self-assembly

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Microfluidic synthesis offers precise control over particle fabrication.
• Janus particles possess distinct properties on each hemisphere, enabling targeted applications.
• Continuous synthesis methods are crucial for scalable particle production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a microfluidic method for the fast, continuous synthesis of Janus particles and three-phase particles.
• To demonstrate precise control over particle structure and surface modification.
• To investigate the self-assembly behavior of synthesized particles.

Main Methods:

• Emulsification of immiscible monomer liquids within a microfluidic device.
• In-situ photoinitiated polymerization of multiphase droplets.
• Asymmetric surface functionalization via protein conjugation.

Main Results:

• Achieved continuous synthesis of Janus and three-phase particles with narrow size distribution.
• Demonstrated precise control over particle structure and phase interfaces.
• Showcased structure-dependent assembly of Janus particles into clusters.
• Successfully performed asymmetric surface modification with protein conjugation.

Conclusions:

• The microfluidic approach provides an efficient and scalable route for producing complex microparticles.
• Precise structural control facilitates tailored particle properties and assembly behaviors.
• Surface modification capabilities open avenues for targeted applications in diagnostics and drug delivery.