LTCC MICROREACTORS APPLICATION IN A MICROFLUIDIC INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR HYDROPHOBIC DRUG ENCAPSULATION IN POLYMERIC NANO/MICROPARTICLES

Abstract

Nanotechnology develops methods and processes for Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) based on the fabrication of polymeric nano/microparticles with encapsulated drug that can be applied for maximize therapeutic activity and minimizes undesirable effects. However, these processes entail several conditions to operate efficiently. They present high sensibility to changes in temperature, flow rate, pressure, and chemical solution composition. An optimal configuration of these parameters is required to guarantee stable particle production. For these reasons, integration of technological devices like sensors, actuators, microfluidic devices and control systems is essential to increase particle production performance. The proposal of this work is to develop an integrated monitored and controlled system using LTCC (Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic) microreactors to generate polymeric nano/microparticles for encapsulation of hydrocortisone drug with PCL and Pluronic polymers. The microfluidic integrated system is developed through devices integration, system characterization and control loops configuration, using pressure sensors, syringe and microgear pumps, mixer and vortex LTCC microfluidic reactors, communication drivers, and data processing/control programs. Dynamic Light Scattering, Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy were employed to measure particle size, polydispersity (PdI) distribution and particle morphology. Preliminary results showed nano/microparticles with encapsulated hydrocortisone drug having a mean diameter size of 528–816 nm and Polidispersity Index (PdI) < 0.5.