Generation of Photopolymerized Microparticles Based on PEGDA Hydrogel Using T-Junction Microfluidic Devices: Effect
Gabriela Hinojosa-Ventura1, Mario Alberto García-Ramírez2, José Manuel Acosta-Cuevas1
1Chemical Engineering Department, CUCEI, Universidad de Guadalajara, Blvd.M. García Barragán # 1451, Guadalajara 44430, Jalisco, Mexico.
Micromachines
|July 29, 2023
Summary
Researchers created polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) microparticles using microfluidics for drug and microbe encapsulation. Continuous phase flow rate significantly impacts microparticle size, enabling controlled production for pharmaceutical and bioremediation uses.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Microfluidics
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel microparticles (MPs) are valuable for encapsulating active agents.
- Previous work established suitable hydrogel formulations for MP production.
- Microfluidic devices offer precise control over MP formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To form polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel MPs using a microfluidic T-junction device.
- To analyze the effect of hydrodynamic conditions (flow rates) on MP diameter and homogeneity.
- To assess the potential of these MPs for pharmaceutical and bioremediation applications.
Main Methods:
- PEGDA hydrogel MPs were fabricated via photopolymerization in a microfluidic T-junction.
- MP diameters were measured using optical microscopy.
- MP morphology and homogeneity were characterized by scanning electron microscopy.
- Polydispersity index (PDI) was calculated to assess size distribution.
Main Results:
- MP diameter decreased with increasing continuous phase flow rate (Qc).
- Qc had a statistically significant effect on MP diameter compared to disperse phase flow rate (Qd).
- MP diameter showed a proportional but not statistically significant relationship with Qd.
- All measured PDI values were below 0.05, indicating high MP homogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic photopolymerization allows for the controlled formation of highly homogeneous PEGDA hydrogel MPs.
- Continuous phase flow rate is a critical parameter for tuning MP size.
- These MPs show promise for entrapping pharmaceuticals and microorganisms for various applications.
