Microchannel geometry vs flow parameters for controlling nanoprecipitation of polymeric nanoparticles

Channel-based microfluidics was proven to be a helpful platform for reproducible preparation of nanoparticles (NPs), where controlled mixing of fluids allows homogeneous and tuned process of NPs formation. Nano-precipitation is a popular method for polymeric NPs formation based on controlled precipitation of a polymer upon mixing of two miscible solvents. Conventionally, flow rate, flow rate ratio and polymer concentration have been utilized to control NPs size and polydispersity. However, minimum attention has been given to the effect of channel geometry on nanoprecipitation process. In our study, we investigated the effect of channel geometry and design on the size and polydispersity index (PDI) of poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) NPs. Ten different designs with varied channel length, aspect ratio, number of interfaces and channel curvature were fabricated and tested. These variations were introduced to modify the diffusion rate, the interface area or to introduce Dean flow, all of which will change the mixing time (tau(mix)). The effects of these variations were compared to that of different flow parameters. Change in channel length did not have a significant effect on particle size. However, increasing the diffusion area and reducing tau(mix) significantly reduced NPs' size. Moreover, when curvature was introduced into the channel, mixing was enhanced, and particle size was decreased in a manner dependent on the velocity of the generated Dean flow. While different flow parameters continue to be the main approach for adjusting NPs properties, we demonstrate that channel geometry modification enables tuning of NPs' size using simple designs that can be easily adapted.

Automated summary

This study explored the effect of channel geometry and design on poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) NPs size and polydispersity index (PDI). It was found that changing channel length did not have a significant impact on particle size, but increasing diffusion area and reducing mixing time significantly reduced particle size. Introduction of channel curvature enhanced mixing and decreased particle size dependent on the velocity of the generated Dean flow.