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Flow-Based Assembly of Layer-by-Layer Capsules through Tangential Flow Filtration.
Mattias Björnmalm1, Ali Roozmand1, Ka Fung Noi1
1ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|August 13, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a flow-based method using tangential flow filtration (TFF) for layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly on particles. This technique enables scalable, automated production of multilayered particles and drug-loaded capsules without centrifugation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is crucial for applications like drug delivery and sensors.
- Current manual, centrifugation-based methods limit scalability and automation of LbL assembly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fully flow-based technique for LbL assembly on particles.
- To demonstrate the capability of this new method for producing various multilayered particles and capsules.
- To enable automated and scalable production of LbL-assembled materials.
Main Methods:
- Utilized tangential flow filtration (TFF) for continuous, flow-based LbL assembly.
- Employed standard industrial fluidic components for system integration and automation.
- Demonstrated centrifugation-free assembly of drug-loaded capsules, including core dissolution.
Main Results:
- Successfully assembled multilayered particles and capsules of varying sizes (submicrometer to micrometer) on different templates (silica, calcium carbonate).
- Showcased the use of multiple polymers (PAH, PSS, PDADMAC) in the TFF LbL system.
- Achieved centrifugation-free assembly of drug-loaded capsules.
Conclusions:
- The TFF LbL system offers a controlled, integrated, and automatable approach for particle assembly.
- This method overcomes limitations of traditional techniques, facilitating scalable production.
- The system holds significant potential for research and industrial translation of LbL-assembled particles.
