A Novel System for Fabricating Microspheres with Microelectromechanical System-Based Bioprinting Technology

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Microspheres are widely used in life sciences.
• Existing methods for microsphere production can be limited in efficiency and scalability.
• There is a need for advanced systems for automated and high-throughput microsphere fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based bioprinting technology (MBT) system for microsphere fabrication.
• To explore optimal conditions for producing uniform hydroxypropyl cellulose-cyclosporine A (HPC-CsA) and poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) microspheres.
• To demonstrate the efficiency and potential applications of the MBT system.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel MEMS-based bioprinting system (MBT).
• Exploration and optimization of key parameters including concentration, drying temperature, frequency, and voltage.
• Fabrication and characterization of HPC-CsA and PLLA microspheres.

Main Results:

• Optimal conditions for HPC-CsA microsphere uniformity were identified (2% HPC-CsA, 45 °C, 1,000 Hz, 25 V).
• CsA microspheres achieved a coefficient of variation (CV) of ~9% and an 84.8% drug encapsulation rate.
• PLLA microspheres with a diameter of ~2.55 μm were produced with a best CV of 6.84%.

Conclusions:

• The integration of MEMS and bioprinting offers a promising approach for microsphere fabrication.
• The developed MBT system allows for automated, high-throughput, and uniform microsphere production.
• The MBT system holds significant potential for applications in pharmaceutical formulations and medical aesthetics.