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High Throughput Single-cell and Multiple-cell Micro-encapsulation
Published on: June 15, 2012
DNA encapsulation by an air-agitated, liquid-liquid mixer
S S Tin1, D K Boadi, R J Neufeld
1Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, Québec, Canada H3A 2B2.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|July 22, 2008
Summary
Researchers developed smooth alginate microspheres using emulsification/internal gelation. Process modifications controlled microsphere size, achieving 94% DNA encapsulation yield in recovered microspheres.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Particulate Science
Background:
- Alginate microspheres are widely investigated for controlled release applications.
- Efficient methods for producing uniform microspheres with high encapsulation efficiency are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize smooth, spherical alginate microspheres using emulsification/internal gelation.
- To investigate the influence of process parameters on microsphere size and yield.
- To determine the encapsulation efficiency of DNA within the alginate microspheres.
Main Methods:
- Microsphere formation via emulsification/internal gelation in an air-agitated liquid-liquid mixer.
- Systematic variation of process parameters including emulsifier concentration, gas flowrate, emulsification time, liquid height, and dispersed phase viscosity.
- Characterization of microsphere size distribution and yield.
- Assessment of DNA encapsulation efficiency.
Main Results:
- Smooth, spherical alginate microspheres with mean diameters ranging from 100 to 800 microm were successfully produced.
- Smaller microsphere sizes were achieved by increasing emulsifier concentration, gas flowrate, emulsification time, and decreasing liquid height.
- Increased dispersed phase viscosity led to longer emulsification times.
- Microsphere yield was 70%, with DNA encapsulation efficiency reaching 94% within recovered microspheres.
Conclusions:
- The emulsification/internal gelation method provides effective control over alginate microsphere size.
- Process optimization can lead to high yields and efficient encapsulation of biomolecules like DNA.
- Further investigation into minimizing losses during washing and filtration is warranted.
