Microfluidic preparation of polymer nanospheres

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial for targeted and efficient therapeutic outcomes.
• Polymer nanospheres offer a versatile platform for encapsulating and delivering various therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate biocompatible polymer nanospheres with tailored surfaces for enhanced drug adhesion.
• To investigate the parameters controlling nanosphere formation and characteristics using microfluidic technology.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a V-shaped microfluidic junction for simultaneous infusion of polymer solutions and a volatile liquid (perfluorohexane).
• Employed high-speed camera imaging to elucidate the nanosphere generation mechanism.
• Analyzed nanosphere size, polydispersity, and surface morphology using advanced microscopy techniques.

Main Results:

• Successfully prepared solid polymer nanospheres with diameters ranging from 80 to 920 nm.
• Demonstrated control over nanosphere diameter by adjusting polymer concentration (5-50 wt%) and feed flow rates (50-300 µl/min).
• Characterized nanospheres exhibiting fine pores and surface cracks, suitable for drug entrapment.

Conclusions:

• V-shaped microfluidics provides a robust method for producing tunable polymer nanospheres for drug delivery applications.
• The porous surface structure of the fabricated nanospheres facilitates drug adhesion and entrapment.
• This approach holds promise for developing advanced nanocarriers for pharmaceutical formulations.