Droplet Microfluidic Optimisation Using Micropipette Characterisation of Bio-Instructive Polymeric Surfactants

Henshaw, Charlotte A.; Dundas, Adam A.; Cuzzucoli Crucitti, Valentina; Alexander, Morgan R.; Wildman, Ricky; Rose, Felicity R. A. J.; Irvine, Derek J.; Williams, Philip M.

Abstract

Droplet microfluidics can produce highly tailored microparticles whilst retaining monodispersity. However, these systems often require lengthy optimisation, commonly based on a trial-and-error approach, particularly when using bio-instructive, polymeric surfactants. Here, micropipette manipulation methods were used to optimise the concentration of bespoke polymeric surfactants to produce biodegradable (poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA)) microparticles with unique, bio-instructive surface chemistries. The effect of these three-dimensional surfactants on the interfacial tension of the system was analysed. It was determined that to provide adequate stabilisation, a low level (0.1% (w/v)) of poly(vinyl acetate-co-alcohol) (PVA) was required. Optimisation of the PVA concentration was informed by micropipette manipulation. As a result, successful, monodisperse particles were produced that maintained the desired bio-instructive surface chemistry.

Citation

Henshaw, C. A., Dundas, A. A., Cuzzucoli Crucitti, V., Alexander, M. R., Wildman, R., Rose, F. R. A. J., Irvine, D. J., & Williams, P. M. (2021). Droplet Microfluidic Optimisation Using Micropipette Characterisation of Bio-Instructive Polymeric Surfactants. Molecules, 26(11), Article 3302. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113302

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 27, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 31, 2021
• Publication Date: May 31, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jul 2, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 5, 2021
• Journal: Molecules
• Electronic ISSN: 1420-3049
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 11
• Article Number: 3302
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113302
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5692847
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/11/3302