Continuous flow production of size-controllable niosomes using a thermostatic microreactor

Area of Science:

• Vesicular systems
• Microfluidics
• Materials science

Background:

• Vesicular systems are crucial in biomedical, analytical, and food sciences.
• Controlling particle size and monodispersity is essential for advanced applications.
• Novel preparation methods are needed to meet new standards for vesicular systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate key parameters in microfluidic hydrodynamic flow focusing for niosome production.
• Quantify the effects of these parameters on niosome morphology.
• Explore temperature as a critical factor for controlling niosome size and monodispersity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a microfluidic reactor with hydrodynamic flow focusing.
• Employed 3D printing for fabricating microfluidic and thermostatic systems.
• Formulated niosomes using sorbitan esters and cholesterol, controlling temperature.
• Developed a custom device for temperature control and process visualization.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated microfluidic production of niosomes with controlled size and monodispersity.
• Showcased the impact of temperature on niosome morphology.
• Validated the capability for producing niosomes across a wide range of non-ionic surfactants and stabilizers.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidic technology offers precise control over niosome production.
• Temperature is a key parameter for tailoring niosome characteristics.
• 3D printing facilitates cost-effective development of microfluidic devices for niosome synthesis.