Droplet Microfluidic Optimisation Using Micropipette Characterisation of Bio-Instructive Polymeric Surfactants
Charlotte A. Henshaw,
Adam A. Dundas,
Valentina Cuzzucoli Crucitti,
Morgan R. Alexander,
Ricky Wildman,
Felicity R. A. J. Rose,
Derek J. Irvine,
Philip M. Williams
Affiliations
Charlotte A. Henshaw
Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Adam A. Dundas
Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Valentina Cuzzucoli Crucitti
Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department for Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Morgan R. Alexander
Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Ricky Wildman
Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department for Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Felicity R. A. J. Rose
Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Derek J. Irvine
Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department for Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Philip M. Williams
Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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.
