Microfluidics for Microparticle Synthesis

Microparticles are solid particles generally in the micrometer size range (1-1000μm). Microparticles are categorized as microspheres and microcapsules based on their internal structure. Monodisperse microparticles with tailored sizes, shapes and morphologies are widely used in biopharmaceuticals, drug delivery, electro/optic devices and catalysis.

Fig. 1 Types of microparticles (A, Dhriti Verma, et al. (2021))

Conventional methods for preparation of microparticles include precipitation polymerization, emulsion polymerization, dispersion polymerization, SPG (Shirasu Porous Glass) membrane emulsification, and layer-by-layer assemblies. However, the shearing forces of these traditional methods are uncontrollable, which results in difficulties in preparation of particles with uniform size or customized shape. Droplet microfluidics can create an environment with exceptional control and good stability, making it ideal for synthesis of monodisperse microparticles and nanoparticles with unique properties, such as particle size uniformity, structure controllability, and component controllability. These particles manufactured with different materials, structures and functions have wide applications, such as drug controlled-release, multi-drug loading, manufacturing of optical, electrical and magnetic devices, etc.

What We Can Do for You

• Production of spherical microspheres
  • Production of polymer microspheres used in pharmaceutical and medical applications, including but not limited to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), sodium alginate, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and gelatin microspheres.
  • Production of inorganic microspheres used in biomolecules, drug delivery, sensors and catalysts applications, including but not limited to silica, carbon, and titanium microspheres.
  • Production of noble metal nanospheres, such as such as gold, silver and platinum nanospheres.
  • Production of semiconductor nanospheres
• Production of non-spherical particles
• Production of core shell microparticles
• Production of anisotropic particles used in emulsion stabilization and dual-functionalized optical, electronic, sensor devices and incompatible drug delivery applications
• Production of microcapsules used in pharmaceuticals, foods, cosmetics and absorbent
• Production of vesicles

Advantage of Microfluidic Device in Production of Microparticles

• Precise control of size and morphology of microparticles
• High throughput

For more information about our microparticle synthesis service, please contact us.