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Evaluation of continuous flow nanosphere formation by controlled microfluidic transport
Bryan Laulicht1, Peter Cheifetz, Edith Mathiowitz
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology, and Division of Engineering and Medical Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|August 7, 2008
Summary
Controlled microfluidics enable precise fabrication of polymer nanospheres, improving size control without surfactants. This method enhances monodispersity and reduces particle size for nanotechnology and nanomedicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer science
- Nanotechnology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Precise control over polymer nanosphere size and monodispersity is crucial for nanotechnology and nanomedicine.
- Nonaqueous systems require specific experimental conditions for nanoparticle fabrication.
- Existing methods may lack the precision needed for consistent nanosphere production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microfluidic methods for controlled polymer nanosphere fabrication.
- To determine experimental parameters influencing nanosphere size and monodispersity.
- To establish conditions for high-throughput production of size-controlled polymer nanospheres.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two microfluidic methods for small-batch polymer nanosphere formation via phase inversion.
- Studied the effects of polymer concentration and flow rate in a laminar flow regime.
- Implemented determined conditions for higher throughput fabrication.
Main Results:
- Achieved improved size monodispersity and decreased average diameter.
- Demonstrated greater control over nanosphere size distribution without surfactants or additional solvents.
- Observed nonlinear decrease in size with decreasing polymer concentration and linear decrease with increasing flow rate.
Conclusions:
- Controlled microfluidic environments offer superior control over polymer nanosphere formation.
- The findings suggest a time-course-dependent nucleation and growth mechanism.
- This approach provides a pathway for precise, surfactant-free nanosphere production.
