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Fabricating Highly Open Porous Microspheres HOPMs via Microfluidic Technology
Published on: May 16, 2022
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Fabricating Highly Open Porous Microspheres (HOPMs) via Microfluidic Technology
Sheng-Chang Luo1, Ying Wang2, Ranjith Kumar Kankala1
1Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology, Huaqiao University.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|May 31, 2022
Summary
Injectable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based highly open porous microspheres (PLGA-HOPMs) were fabricated using microfluidic technology. These porous microspheres offer a promising platform for cell delivery and tissue regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Injectable cell delivery systems are crucial for tissue repair.
- Existing methods like bulk scaffolds and direct cell injection have limitations.
- Porous microcarriers enhance cell retention, nutrient supply, and minimize invasiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile method for fabricating poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based highly open porous microspheres (PLGA-HOPMs).
- To investigate the potential of these microspheres for cell delivery applications.
- To explore their utility in drug discovery and tissue regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microfluidic technology for the fabrication of PLGA-HOPMs.
- Employed a coaxial nozzle setup with PLGA in dichloromethane and gelatin aqueous phase.
- Microspheres were processed via solvent extraction and lyophilization.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated monodispersed PLGA-HOPMs with particle sizes of ~400 µm and open pores of ~50 µm.
- Achieved interconnected porous structures facilitating medium exchange.
- Demonstrated the influence of formulation and processing parameters on microsphere characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic technology provides a convenient route for producing PLGA-HOPMs.
- These microspheres are suitable for cell delivery and tissue regeneration.
- Potential for encapsulating biochemical cues like growth factors for enhanced applications.
