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Published on: October 1, 2007
Fabrication of functionalized double-lamellar multifunctional envelope-type nanodevices using a microfluidic chip
Katsuma Kitazoe1, Yeon-Su Park, Noritada Kaji
1Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
Plos One
|June 23, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed a microfluidic chip for faster, simpler fabrication of multifunctional envelope-type nanodevices (MENDs). This lab-on-a-chip approach produces high-quality MENDs, advancing non-viral gene delivery vector development.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Multifunctional envelope-type nanodevices (MENDs) are promising non-viral gene delivery vectors.
- Conventional MEND fabrication is complex, labor-intensive, and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simpler, faster, and more convenient method for MEND fabrication.
- To utilize microfluidic technology for efficient MEND production.
Main Methods:
- Employed a microfluidic chip with a chaotic mixer array (69 cycles) for homogeneous mixing of MEND precursors.
- Achieved short mixing lengths (<1.5 cm) despite high Péclet numbers (>10^5).
- Fabricated double-lamellar MENDs (D-MENDs) and octaarginine-modified D-MENDs using the chip.
Main Results:
- The microfluidic approach significantly reduced fabrication time and complexity compared to bulk methods.
- On-chip fabricated MENDs exhibited comparable or superior physical properties.
- Demonstrated successful fabrication of D-MENDs and modified D-MENDs.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic chip fabrication offers a practical and efficient alternative for producing MENDs.
- This strategy enables the construction of advanced liposome-based non-viral vectors.
- Potential for enhanced cellular membrane penetration and high gene transfection efficiency.
