Honeycomb-like PLGA- b-PEG Structure Creation with T-Junction Microdroplets
Abstract
Amphiphilic block copolymers are widely used in science owing to their versatile properties. In this study, amphiphilic block copolymer poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid)- block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA- b-PEG) was used to create microdroplets in a T-junction microfluidic device with a well-defined geometry. To compare interfacial characteristics of microdroplets, dichloromethane (DCM) and chloroform were used to prepare PLGA- b-PEG solution as an oil phase. In the T-junction device, water and oil phases were manipulated at variable flow rates from 50 to 300 μL/min by increments of 50 μL/min. Fabricated microdroplets were directly collected on a glass slide. After a drying period, porous two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures were obtained as honeycomb-like structure. Pore sizes were increased according to increased water/oil flow rate for both DCM and chloroform solutions. Also, it was shown that increasing polymer concentration decreased the pore size of honeycomb-like structures at a constant water/oil flow rate (50:50 μL/min). Additionally, PLGA- b-PEG nanoparticles were also obtained on the struts of honeycomb-like structures according to the water solubility, volatility, and viscosity properties of oil phases, by...Continue Reading
References
A biomimetic honeycomb-like scaffold prepared by flow-focusing technology for cartilage regeneration
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, that can lead to muscular or electrical dysfunction of the heart. It is often an irreversible disease that is associated with a poor prognosis. There are different causes and classifications of cardiomyopathies. Here are the latest discoveries pertaining to this disease.