Microfluidic fabrication of microparticles for biomedical applications

Chem Soc Rev. 2018 Jul 30;47(15):5646-5683. doi: 10.1039/c7cs00263g.

Abstract

Droplet microfluidics offers exquisite control over the flows of multiple fluids in microscale, enabling fabrication of advanced microparticles with precisely tunable structures and compositions in a high throughput manner. The combination of these remarkable features with proper materials and fabrication methods has enabled high efficiency, direct encapsulation of actives in microparticles whose features and functionalities can be well controlled. These microparticles have great potential in a wide range of bio-related applications including drug delivery, cell-laden matrices, biosensors and even as artificial cells. In this review, we briefly summarize the materials, fabrication methods, and microparticle structures produced with droplet microfluidics. We also provide a comprehensive overview of their recent uses in biomedical applications. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges and perspectives to promote the future development of these engineered microparticles.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Microfluidics
  • Microspheres*
  • Polymerization
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polymers / therapeutic use*
  • Porosity
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Surface Properties
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polymers