High-Throughput Fabrication of Nanocomplexes Using 3D-Printed Micromixers

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Micromixers are crucial for controlled nanoparticle production in therapeutic delivery.
• Traditional methods for nanoparticle synthesis can lack scalability and consistency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the fabrication of micromixers using 3D printing for continuous nanocomplex production.
• To evaluate the performance of 3D-printed micromixers compared to bulk mixing.

Main Methods:

• Computational design and 3D printing were used to fabricate micromixers.
• Nanocomplexes were synthesized via electrostatic complexation using specific polymers.
• Systematic variation of parameters like polymer concentration, flow rate, and flow ratio.

Main Results:

• 3D-printed micromixers produced equally small and homogenous nanoparticles as bulk mixing.
• Nanoparticles from micromixers showed improved consistency and size control.
• Each micromixer processed over 2 liters per hour with scalable performance.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing offers a rapid, inexpensive, and scalable method for producing custom micromixers.
• These disposable, high-throughput micromixers are suitable for industrial-scale production of therapeutic nanoparticles.
• The fabricated devices provide a controllable and consistent alternative to bulk mixing for nanoparticle synthesis.