High Throughput Miniaturization of Artificial Cells

In this study, inkjet bio-printing has been used to produce miniaturized alginate microcapsules. A parametric study using subsequent Taguchi L-18 (3(1) X 2(7)) and L-16 (4(5)) designs was performed to elucidate the effect of inkjet parameters on microcapsule size. A 120-minute pilot run using the optimal waveform parameters and 0.5% alginate ink yielded a throughput of 1.8 X 10(6) microcapsules/hr, averaging 40 mu m in diameter. Real-time stable jetting conditions were confirmed visually by the generation of a single droplet with a straight trajectory and non-fluctuating Ohnesorge numbers. The rate of stirring of the cross-linking CaCl2 solution determined scaffold vs. single vesicle formation.