Programmable fluidic production of microparticles with configurable anisotropy

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Microparticle fabrication is crucial for various applications, including drug delivery and catalysis.
• Current methods often lack precise control over particle shape, size, and internal structure.
• Anisotropy in microparticles can lead to unique properties and functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel microfluidic technique for continuous production of anisotropic microparticles.
• To demonstrate control over particle shape, size, and internal sequence.
• To achieve tunable properties such as bond angles, patchiness, and roughness.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing microfluidics and confinement effects to pack precursor colloids in a narrow channel.
• Employing thermal fusing to permanently bond packed precursor spheres.
• Reversing flow in the production zone for particle collection.
• Controlling microfluidic channel dimensions to dictate particle configuration.

Main Results:

• Continuous production of microparticles with variable sizes and new forms of anisotropy.
• Achieved precise control over bond angles, resulting in linear chain structures.
• Synthesized homogeneous (A), surfactant-like (A-B), and triblock (A-B-A) internal sequences.
• Fabricated triangular prisms and particles with controlled roughness and patchiness.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic technique offers a versatile platform for fabricating anisotropic microparticles.
• The method allows for precise, repeatable control over particle morphology and internal structure.
• This approach has significant potential for creating advanced materials with tailored properties.