Fabrication of Monodisperse Magnetic Janus Nonspherical Microparticles with Controllable Structural Features

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Fabricating asymmetric microparticles with distinct functionalities is challenging.
• Traditional methods often involve complex, multi-step processes.
• Developing efficient microcarriers for drug delivery and catalysis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a microfluidic strategy for controllable fabrication of Janus non-spherical microparticles.
• To investigate the adhesion-energy-induced dewetting process for structural evolution of double emulsions.
• To demonstrate the potential of these microparticles as multifunctional carriers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a microfluidic device to generate water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsions.
• Induced structural evolution via solvent evaporation, reducing solvent quality and promoting adhesion-energy-induced dewetting.
• Incorporated magnetic nanoparticles for guided motion and drug encapsulation capabilities.

Main Results:

• Achieved controllable synthesis of Janus non-spherical microparticles with distinct aqueous and hydrophobic halves.
• Demonstrated efficient encapsulation of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.
• Observed enhanced kinetic properties and faster motion in microchannels compared to spherical counterparts.
• Showcased magnetic guidance for targeted transport along predefined pathways.

Conclusions:

• The one-step fabrication method offers a versatile platform for creating complex microstructures.
• Janus non-spherical microparticles exhibit superior cargo transport and magnetic-guided motion.
• These microparticles show significant promise for applications in tumor therapy, catalysis, and microrobotics.