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., …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