“On the Fly” Continuous Generation of Alginate Fibers Using a Microfluidic Device

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a new continuous production technique of calcium alginate fibers with a microfluidic platform similar to a spider in nature. We have used a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic device embedded capillary glass pipet as the apparatus for fiber generation. As a sample flow, we introduced a sodium alginate solution, and, as a sheath flow, a CaCl2 solution was introduced. The coaxial flows were generated at the intersection of both flows, and the sodium alginate was solidified to calcium alginate by diffusion of the Ca2+ ions during traveling through the outlet pipet. The diameter changes in the sample and sheath flow variations were examined, and the size of alginate fibers was well regulated by changing both flow rates. In addition, we have measured the elasticity of dried fibers. We evaluated the potential use of alginate fibers as a cell carrier by loading human fibroblasts during the "on the fly" fabrication process. From the LIVE/DEAD assay, cells survived well during the fiber fabrication process. In addition, we evaluate the capability of loading the therapeutic materials onto the alginate fibers by immobilized bovine serum albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate in the fibers.

Analysis of a laminar-flow diffusional mixer for directed self-assembly of liposomes

“…8,9 Production of liposomes by injection of lipidalcohol solution dates back several decades using syringes. This method provides control of liposome size based on needle diameter, flow-rate, lipid concentration, and salt concentration.…”

Structured biopolymer-based delivery systems for encapsulation, protection, and release of lipophilic compounds

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