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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Capillary-based Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for Size-controllable Formation of Monodisperse Microdroplets
Published on: February 22, 2016
Microfluidic conceived drug loaded Janus particles in side-by-side capillaries device
Ikram Ullah Khan1, Christophe A Serra2, Nicolas Anton3
1Laboratory of Design and Application of Bioactive Molecules (CAMB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg (UdS), Strasbourg, France; Group for the Intensification and Integration of Polymer Processes (G2IP), Institute of Chemistry and Processes for Energy, Environment and Health (ICPEES - UMR 7515 CNRS), European Engineering School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials Science (ECPM), University of Strasbourg (UdS), CNRS UMR 7515, Strasbourg, France; College of Pharmacy, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Researchers developed drug-loaded Janus particles using microfluidics for controlled release applications. These biocompatible particles demonstrate sustained drug release, influenced by particle size and composition.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Janus particles offer unique properties for drug delivery due to their distinct surface chemistries.
- Microfluidic devices provide precise control over particle fabrication.
- Developing biocompatible and tunable drug delivery systems is crucial for pharmaceutical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate drug-loaded poly(acrylamide)/poly(methyl acrylate) Janus particles using a microfluidic device.
- To investigate the influence of fabrication parameters on particle morphology and drug release kinetics.
- To assess the biocompatibility and drug release mechanisms of the synthesized Janus particles.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Janus particles using a side-by-side capillaries microfluidic device and UV-assisted free radical polymerization.
- Characterization of particle formation by controlling flow rates, monomer composition, surfactant concentration, outlet diameter, and UV intensity.
- Analysis of particle morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and chemical composition using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
- In vitro cytotoxicity testing (LD50) and drug release studies at pH 6.8.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated poly(acrylamide)/poly(methyl acrylate) Janus particles in the 59-240 μm range with tunable shapes (core-shell to bi-compartmental).
- Identified optimal conditions for bi-compartmental particle formation based on surfactant concentration and flow rates.
- FTIR confirmed complete monomer polymerization, and cytotoxicity tests showed biocompatibility (LD50 = 9 mg/mL).
- Demonstrated sustained release of ketoprofen and sodium fluorescein via a diffusion mechanism.
- Observed faster drug release from larger particles due to surface irregularities and slower release for sodium fluorescein attributed to lower encapsulation, which can be tuned by crosslinker concentration.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic system enables controlled fabrication of biocompatible Janus particles for drug delivery.
- Particle size and morphology significantly influence drug release kinetics, offering a pathway for tunable drug delivery profiles.
- The synthesized Janus particles are suitable for sustained release of model drugs, with potential for pharmaceutical applications.
