Combining sol-gel and microfluidics processes for the synthesis of protein-containing hybrid microgels

Biocompatible chemical cross-linked hybrid polyethylene glycol-based hydrogels were obtained from a sol-gel process using bis-silylated molecular precursors in biocompatible conditions. This soft procedure (pH = 7.4, at 25 degrees C), allows the production of microgels by microfluidics and easy encapsulation of a model protein (Bovin Serum Albumine, BSA).