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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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Microfluidic Fabrication of Polymeric and Biohybrid Fibers with Predesigned Size and Shape
Published on: January 8, 2014
Co-axial capillaries microfluidic device for synthesizing size- and morphology-controlled polymer core-polymer shell
Zhenqi Chang1, Christophe A Serra, Michel Bouquey
1Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Polymères pour les Hautes Technologies (LIPHT)-EAC 7165, Ecole Européenne de Chimie, Polymères et Matériaux (ECPM), Université de Strasbourg (UdS), 25 rue Becquerel, F-67087, Strasbourg, France.
Lab on a Chip
|October 1, 2009
Summary
A novel microfluidic device enables easy production of uniform polymer core-shell particles and non-spherical polymer objects. Operating parameters control particle size and shape, with empirical laws predicting outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Microfluidic devices offer precise control over particle synthesis.
- Producing core-shell structures and non-spherical particles presents challenges in uniformity and predictability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an easily assembled microfluidic device for synthesizing uniform polymer core-shell particles.
- To investigate the production of predictable non-spherical polymer objects using the device.
- To establish empirical relationships for predicting particle dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a co-axial capillaries microfluidic device for double droplet generation.
- Polymerization of immiscible monomer phases within the generated double droplets.
- Systematic variation of operating parameters to control particle morphology.
- Experimental data analysis to derive empirical laws for size prediction.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized uniform poly(acrylamide) core-poly(tri(propylene glycol) diacrylate) shell particles.
- Demonstrated control over core diameter and shell thickness by adjusting operating parameters.
- Achieved production of uniform and predictable non-spherical polymer objects without specialized procedures.
- Developed an empirical law to predict core and shell sizes and an equation for rod-like particle lengths.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic device provides a simple and effective method for producing controlled polymer core-shell particles.
- The device facilitates the generation of non-spherical polymer objects with predictable dimensions.
- Empirical relationships derived from experiments can guide the design and optimization of particle synthesis.
