Preparation of tadpole-shaped calcium alginate microparticles with sphericity control

Monosized sodium alginate microdroplets are prepared using a flow-focusing microdevice by adjusting the flow rate of the continuous phase (soybean oil) and the dispersed phase (sodium alginate solution). The gelation process of the semi-product, sodium alginate microdroplets, occurs outside the channel in a calcium chloride solution to form tadpole-shaped calcium alginate microparticles. The microparticles prepared are in the range of 100-250 μm in diameter, depending on the experimental conditions. The shape, size and size distribution of these calcium alginate microparticles depend strongly on the calcium solution concentration and the stirring mode. The shaping mechanism of the microparticles and the impact of the experimental conditions on particle shape and size are investigated.