Spontaneous Formation of Uniform Cell-Sized Microgels through Water/Water Phase Separation

In this study, a one-step method is discussed for producing uniform cell-sized microgels using glass capillaries filled with a binary polymer blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and gelatin. Upon decreasing temperature, phase separation of the PEG/gelatin blends and gelation of gelatin occur, and then the polymer blend forms linearly aligned, uniformly sized gelatin microgels in the glass capillary. When DNA is added to the polymer solution, gelatin microgels entrapping DNA are spontaneously formed, and the DNA prevents the coalescence of the microdroplets even at temperatures above the melting point. This novel method to form uniform cell-sized microgels may be applicable to other biopolymers. This method is expected to contribute to diverse materials science via biopolymer microgels and biophysics and synthetic biology through cellular models containing biopolymer gels.

Automated summary

In this study, a one-step method using glass capillaries and a polymer blend of PEG and gelatin is discussed for producing uniform cell-sized microgels. The method involves phase separation and gelation of the polymer blend upon decreasing temperature, leading to the formation of linearly aligned, uniformly sized gelatin microgels. The addition of DNA prevents coalescence of the microdroplets. This novel method has potential applications in biopolymers and cellular models.