One-pot fabrication of uniform half-moon-shaped biodegradable microparticles via microfluidic approach

Abstract

Engineering of physical parameters such as shape and texture of microparticle can provide solutions to overcome limitations of conventional microparticles. We demonstrate the fabrication of uniform half-moon-shaped microparticles using synthesized poly(d,l-lactide) via a tube-type microfluidic approach. A true half-moon appearance, which comprises of dimple patterns on a round surface and a plain flat surface, is obtained by the optimization of fabrication conditions and a new self-rupturing mechanism. A new pop out mechanism allows for the one-pot synthesis of microparticles with complicated structures. The microparticles can have promising applications such as suspension cell culture, injectable cell carrier, and inhalable particulate drug delivery system because of their excellent cell adhesion, low weight resulting from an internal porous structure, and biodegradable character.