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Published on: April 5, 2018
One-Step Generation of Multisomes from Lipid-Stabilized Double Emulsions
Magdalena A Czekalska1,2, Anne M J Jacobs1,3, Zenon Toprakcioglu1
1Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Researchers developed a new microfluidic method to create biocompatible multisomes, which are multicompartmental structures for synthetic biology and drug delivery. This technique offers controlled size and high monodispersity, overcoming previous production challenges.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Synthetic Biology
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Multisomes are multicompartmental biomimetic structures with applications in synthetic biology and soft matter.
- Existing methods for producing monodisperse multisomes face challenges in throughput and reproducibility.
- Developing robust and scalable methods for multisome generation is crucial for their broader application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel microfluidic method for the controlled generation of biocompatible, monodisperse multisomes.
- To demonstrate the ability to control multisome structural parameters, including internal droplet size.
- To showcase the encapsulation of small-molecule cargo within the generated multisomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a water/oil/water (W/O/W) double emulsion stabilized by lipid layers in a microfluidic device.
- Employed a glycerol concentration gradient to induce directed osmosis and facilitate the formation of internal aqueous droplets.
- Varied glycerol concentrations and osmotic gradients to control structural parameters like internal droplet size.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated multisomes with controllable sizes and high monodispersity.
- Demonstrated precise control over internal droplet size by manipulating osmotic gradients.
- Showcased the encapsulation of small-molecule cargo within the multisomes.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic method provides a robust and reproducible approach for generating multisomes.
- This technique allows for dynamic control over multisome structural parameters, enhancing their versatility.
- The ability to encapsulate cargo opens potential applications in drug delivery, synthetic biology, and active material carriers.
