Size Dispersion Research Articles

Development of a Dermal Nanoemulsion with Antioxidants Derived from Rice Residues Using an HLD Theory Approach.

Agricultural waste, such as rice straw, has become increasingly valuable as biocomposites in various industries. For cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors, these biocomposites have improved active substance incorporation and waste reduction, which is pivotal for mitigating environmental impact. This study reports the encapsulation of a protein derivative derived from rice straw within a nanoemulsion for skin care applications, emphasizing stability and efficacy. Protein hydrolysates were produced by extracting proteins in an alkaline medium, followed by precipitation at the isoelectric point. The hydrolysates were enzymatically treated with Alcalase® at 80°C and pH 10 for 45min to generate antioxidant-rich formulations. Utilizing Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Deviation (HLD) theory, oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were formulated by adjusting variables to achieve an HLD near zero. Sunflower oil and surfactants were combined, stirred at 70°C, and homogenized using a rotor-stator. The final formulation's stability and permeability were evaluated through fluorescence microscopy, particle size analysis, zeta potential measurements, and accelerated stability assays. Nanoemulsion ENE37 showed high stability with 47.25nm size, PDI 0.21, and excellent dispersion, maintaining integrity without phase separation. Hydrolyzed protein into ENE37 (NE37-HP) improved stability, increasing zeta potential and preventing aggregation while maintaining structure without phase inversion. NE37-HP exhibited shear-thinning behavior and good diffusion capacity, achieving 20.14μg/cm2.h. The HLD theory and ternary diagrams are valuable methodological tools for formulating stable nanoscale emulsions. Additionally, this dosage form, containing protein hydrolysates derived from rice straw, demonstrated potential for adequate dermal absorption in humans.

SN-38-indoximod conjugate: carrier free nano-prodrug for cancer therapy.

The integration of immunotherapy alongside chemotherapy represents a crucial approach in the treatment of cancer. Herein we report the SN-38-indoximod conjugate nano-prodrug to address the difficulties encountered by individuals. In this prodrug, SN-38 is connected to indoximod through a specific disulfide linker, which enables the release of the components in response to the tumor microenvironment characterized by elevated levels of glutathione, thereby facilitating programmed chemoimmunotherapy. SN-38-indoximod conjugate was synthesized and fabricated to nano-prodrug by reprecipitation method. It showed comparable anti-cancer activity against A549 cells than SN-38 (IC50 = 0.24 ± 0.01 µM) with IC50 value 0.32 ± 0.04 µM. It inhibited 90% A549 cell at very lower concentration (IC90 = 6.07 ± 0.41 µM) as compared with SN-38 (IC90 = 24.60 ± 1.24 µM) and mixture of SN-38: indoximod (1:1, IC90 >30 µM). The nano-prodrug showed better size distribution profile and dispersion stability contains nanoparticles in effective size range (80-160 nm) required for the EPR effect. This research offers valuable insights into the advancement of conjugate nano-prodrugs exhibiting synergistic pharmacological effects, while also presenting novel opportunities for the design of prodrug molecules capable of releasing drugs in response to diverse triggers.

Ultrasonic dispersion mechanism of liquid Ga/In

Abstract Ga/In alloy, known for its low melting point and liquid state at room temperature, is a promising material for producing fine metal particles. Conventional methods often face challenges in efficiency or particle uniformity, particularly for particle sizes below 10 μm. Ultrasonic processing offers a potential solution, enabling efficient production of microscale and sub-microscale particles. This study examined the effects of ultrasonic frequency and power on the particle size distribution of Ga/In alloy. The effect on particle refinement of adding a second ultrasonic irradiation step was also evaluated. High-speed video imaging was used to capture the dispersion process in real time. The results indicate that particle size depended strongly on ultrasonic frequency and power, with higher frequencies yielding finer particles. The secondary irradiation effectively improved size distribution and dispersion. These findings provide insights into the controlled formation of metal microparticles using ultrasonic techniques.

Methanol-Tolerant Pd-Co Alloy Nanoparticles on Reduced Graphene Oxide as Cathode Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction in Fuel Cells

The design of efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts to replace Pt in an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for advancing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technologies. This study synthesized Pd-Co bimetallic alloy nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through a simple chemical-reduction method, making it suitable for low-cost, large-scale fabrication and significantly reducing the need for Pt. The nanostructures were systematically characterized using various analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Electrochemical investigations revealed that the Pd-Co/rGO catalyst exhibits remarkable ORR performance in an alkaline environment, with an electrode-area-normalized activity rivaling that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Remarkably, Pd-Co/rGO demonstrated an onset potential (Eonset) of 0.944 V (vs. RHE) and a half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.782 V (vs. RHE), highlighting its excellent ORR activity. Furthermore, the Pd-Co/rGO catalyst displayed superior methanol-tolerant ORR activity, outperforming Pt/C and monometallic Pd/rGO and Co/rGO systems. The enhanced electrocatalytic performance is attributed to the smallest size, consistent shape, and good dispersion of the alloy structure on the RGO surface. These findings establish Pd-Co/rGO as a promising alternative to Pt-based catalysts, addressing key challenges such as methanol crossover while advancing PEMFC technology in alkaline media.

The potential role of leukocytes cell population data (CPD) for diagnosing sepsis in adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of cell population data (CPD) parameters in comparison with procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) for an early diagnosis of sepsis in intensive care unit (ICU). The effect of renal function on CPD, PCT and CRP, in septic and non-septic patients was also investigated. This is a retrospective, observational and single-center study, performed with data collected from patients consecutively admitted to the ICU of the Edoardo Bassini Hospital in Milan. Patients were divided in septic and non-septic according to Sepsis-III criteria. The control group was formed by critically ill patients without sepsis. Patients with sepsis were further divided in patients with sepsis and patients with septic shock. A significant difference between septic and non-septic patients was found for neutrophils complexity (NE-SSC), neutrophils fluorescence intensity (NE-SFL), width of dispersion of neutrophils fluorescence (NE-WY), monocytes complexity (MO-X), monocytes fluorescence intensity (MO-Y), PCT and CRP parameters. PCT, neutrophils sixe (NE-FSC), NE-WY, width of dispersion of neutrophils size (NE-WZ) and MO-X discriminated sepsis and septic-shock patients. CPD parameters were not influenced by renal function. CPD, PCT and CRP had a heterogeneous diagnostic performance efficiency in the prediction of sepsis. Overall, NE-SSC, NE-SFL, width of dispersion of neutrophils complexity (NE-WX), MO-X, MO-Y, PCT and CRP displayed the best diagnostic performance for sepsis. This study suggested that some CPD parameters (i.e.,NE-SFL and MO-X) might provide useful information for diagnosis and management of sepsis.

Silver Nanoparticles-Functionalized Textile against SARS-CoV-2: Antiviral Activity of the Capping Oleylamine Molecule.

COVID-19 disease, triggered by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, has led to more than 7.0 million deaths worldwide, with a significant fraction of recovered infected people reporting postviral symptoms. Smart surfaces functionalized with nanoparticles are a powerful tool to inactivate the virus and prevent the further spreading of the disease. Literature reports usually focus on the role of nanomaterial composition and size dispersion in evaluating their efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. Here, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of oleylamine (OAm) used as a capping agent of silver nanoparticles is quantified for the first time. Spherical hydrophobic nanoparticles with 8 ± 2 nm diameter were prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Biological assays showed that microgram amounts of nanoparticles, deposited on nonwoven textile obtained from surgical masks, efficiently inactivated up to 99.6(2)% of the virus with just 2 min of exposure. The virucidal activity of the corresponding amount of free OAm has been determined as well, reaching up to 67(1)% of activity for an exposure time of 10 min. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry results pointed out a low leaching out of the nanoparticles in contact with water or culture medium. All in all, these results propose the capping molecules as an important chemical variable to be taken into account in the design of fast, efficient, and long-lasting anti-SARS-CoV-2 coatings.

THE INTERSUBBAND OPTICAL ABSORPTION COEFFICIENT OF THE QD WITH ACCEPTOR IMPURITY UNDER APPLIED ELECTRIC FIELD

In this work, a spherical quantum dot (QD) under the influence of an external electric field is investigated. A multi-band model of the valence band is applied. The influence of off-center acceptor impurity, electric field and QD size dispersion on the absorption coefficient during intersubband transitions between hole states has been analyzed. The results show that an electric field combined with an off-center impurity induces the appearance of two distinct absorption bands corresponding to different magnetic quantum numbers. The intensity of absorption bands depends on the direction and strength of the electric field, and significant differences are observed between fields of opposite polarity. It is important to note that there is a critical field strength that restores the degeneracy of the energy levels, narrowing the broadband absorption tail for systems with small or large dispersion sizes. This research aims to improve the understanding and optimization of the optical properties of nanomaterials.

MOF Derived Cobalt Ferrite Cubic Rod-Like Materials for Highly Efficient Electrochemical Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Heavy Metal Ions.

A series of CoFe2O4 materials derived from metal-organic framework were successfully constructed by the solvent-thermal method. The morphology of a typical sample CoFe2O4-1 was mostly in the form of a cubic rod-like structure with a size distribution of 3.2±0.2 μm, while a small amount of the structure presented hexagonal shape with uniform size dispersion. The XPS characterization results confirmed that the CoFe2O4-1 material contained Co3+ (Co2+/Co3+=0.98), and the redox reaction between Co2+ and Fe3+ produced more Fe2+ (Fe2+/Fe3+=1.63), leading to the production of more OV on the surface of the CoFe2O4-1 material (OV%=0.34), thereby facilitating the efficient adsorption of the efficient adsorption of heavy metal ions (HMIs). CoFe2O4-1/GCE as a typical electrode presented excellent performance for the detection of multiple HMIs. The results should be attributed to the good electrical conductivity and large electrochemically active surface area of CoFe2O4-1/GCE, accelerating the transport of ions and charges in the system. Interestingly, there are interaction mechanisms between the HMIs when performing simultaneous detection, suggesting the detection of target ions can be facilitated by adding additional ions. This study provides new research insights for the development of highly sensitive electrochemical sensors for real-time environmental monitoring.

A first measurement of galaxy merger rate increasing in dynamically colder protoclusters at cosmic noon

Abstract The process of galaxy cluster formation likely leaves an imprint on the properties of its individual member galaxies. Understanding this process is essential for uncovering the evolutionary connections between galaxies and cosmic structures. Here we study a sample of ten protoclusters at z ∼ 2–3 in different dynamical states that we estimate based on spectroscopic data of their members. We combine the dynamical information with HST imaging to measure galaxy sizes and pair fractions. Our analysis reveals a clear anti-correlation between the velocity dispersion of the protocluster and its galaxy pair fractions (indicative of merger rates). The velocity dispersion also anti-correlates with the dispersion in size among of the member galaxies. These correlations may be explained by protoclusters in colder dynamical states maintaining a velocity dispersion and galaxy number density that boosts galaxy mergers, which in turn contributes to the structural expansion and compaction of galaxies. Our findings offer constraints for cosmological models regarding the evolution of galaxy morphology across different stages in the assembly of protoclusters.

Physical and technological features of mechanoactivation of powder particles formed during hydro-vacuum dispersion of metallic melts

A study has been conducted on the hydro-vacuum dispersion process of metal melts using gray cast iron SCh20 (in Russian nomencluture; 3.3–3.5C, 1.4–2.4Si, 0.7–1Mn, 0.15S, 0.2P in wt %)—an analogue of GG20. It has been revealed that the main factor conditioning the mechanoactivation of formed particles is their solidification in a fibrous non-equilibrium structural-tensioned state. This state is achieved by flattening and asymmetric twistedness of droplets that are detached from the liquid metal in the disperser under volumetric impact of shock-pulsating waves of hydraulic discharge. The degree of particle activation was found to depend exponentially on their dispersion and specific surface area. These parameters determine the degree of asymmetry of shear deformations and the amount of accumulated energy. In turn, the size dispersion and specific surface are significantly influenced by physical and technological factors such as the specific flow rate and pressure of injected water, the thickness and the elevation angle of the hydro shell of the vacuum diffusion funnel, the diameter of the dispersed melt jet passed through it, and its superheating temperature. The control of these parameters makes it possible to smoothly adjust the key ratio “liquid metal: water” and set up the dispersion process with the highest possible degree of size dispersion and activation of the resulting powder.

Polyol-Intermediated Facile Synthesis of B5-Site-Rich Ru-Based Nanocatalysts for COx-Free Hydrogen Production via Ammonia Decomposition.

Herein, a B5-site-rich Ru/MgAl2O4 nanocatalyst for the production of COx-free hydrogen from ammonia (NH3) is synthesized using the polyol method. The polyol method enables size-sensitive Ru-nanoparticle growth and controlled B5-site formation on the catalyst by tuning the carbon-chain length of the polyol solvent used, obviating the use of a separate stabilizer and enhancing electron donation from Ru (with a high surface electron density) and π-back bonding. The Ru/MgAl2O4 (BG) catalyst synthesized using butylene glycol (a long-carbon-chain solvent) contains 2.5nm Ru particles uniformly dispersed on its surface and abundant B5 sites at (0 0 2)/(0 1 1). Moreover, the Ru/MgAl2O4 (BG) catalyst exhibits lower activation energy (48.9kJmol-1) and higher H2 formation rate (565-1,236mmol gcat -1 h-1 at 350-450°C and a weight hourly space velocity of 30,000mL gcat -1 h-1) during the NH3 decomposition reaction than catalysts with a similar Ru particle size and high metal dispersion synthesized by the impregnation and deposition-precipitation methods. This high performance is possibly because the abundant electron-donating B5 sites on the catalyst surface accelerate the recombination-desorption of N2, which is the rate-determining step of the NH3 decomposition reaction at low temperatures. Thus, this study facilitates clean hydrogen production.

Magnetic nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser ablation of thin cobalt films in water

The possibility of synthesizing nanoparticles by pulsed laser ablation of thin cobalt films in water is shown. The average size of the formed nanoparticles varies in the range of 70–1020 nm depending on the thickness of the ablated film. At film thicknesses less than 35 nm, the size dispersion of the nanoparticles

Integrating Machine Learning for Colloidal Synthesis of Spinel Oxide Nanocrystals

The synthesis of spinel oxide nanocrystals is gaining momentum due to their broad applicability in energy storage and conversion technologies, including supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, and electrocatalysis for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The performance of these spinel nanomaterials depends on their intrinsic physical properties, such as electronic conductivity and the interaction with reaction intermediates, which are, in turn, influenced by particle size and morphology. These dependencies arise from effects such as quantum confinement and surface or lattice strain, highlighting the importance of producing nanocrystals with controlled size and low dispersity for precise property-application correlations. Achieving such control is crucial for tailoring material properties to specific applications. Colloidal synthesis emerges as a promising method, offering the precision to generate small, monodisperse nanocrystals in a scalable manner. The complexity of colloidal synthesis, dictated by factors such as precursor species, ligands, temperature and solvents, makes synthetic optimization of nanocrystals with precise crystallographic phase and composition both time-consuming and labor-intensive. This leads us to integrate machine learning to efficiently explore and optimize this vast parameter space. By leveraging historical data and employing iterative learning, we aim to automate reaction route optimization in colloidal synthesis. This approach not only enhances synthesis efficiency and material performance for energy applications but also enables the tailored development of nanomaterials through data-driven predictions and streamlined processes.

Estimation of Bubble Size and Gas Dispersion Property in Column Flotation

This study investigates bubble size measurements, bubble characteristics, and the relationship between key operating variables and gas dispersion properties in column flotation. As the frother concentration increased to 120 ppm, the bubble size distribution (BSD) transformed from bimodal to unimodal and achieved a minimum bubble size of 0.62 mm. The critical coalescence concentration (CCC) was identified as 120 ppm. Gas velocity and wash water velocity significantly influenced bubble size, with gas holdup peaking at 27% at 1.08 cm/s a gas velocity. The bubble-rising velocity increased as the bubble size increased, indicating that the bubble size and bubble-rising velocity were proportional. The bubble surface area flux decreased linearly with increasing bubble size and was significantly affected by the gas velocity. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.86) between measured and calculated bubble sizes was achieved, with an average size of 0.64 mm and an estimation error of ±13%. The study demonstrated that bubble size and distribution could be effectively controlled under specific operational conditions (Jg = 0.65–1.3 cm/s, JW = 0.13–0.52 cm/s, frother = 30–120 ppm). These findings highlight the importance of optimizing key variables to enhance column stability, regime maintenance, and flotation performance.

Evaluation of the performance of low-fat (oil-fat) dressings based on chemically modified Guayabo plantain starch (Musa paradisiaca L.).

Guayabo plantain (GP) starch was chemically modified by acetylation to evaluate its role as a stabilizer and emulsifier in low-fat dressings. Native starch (NS) from GP was chemically modified starch (MS), and its functional properties, such as water absorption index, water solubility index, swelling power, gelatinization temperature (Tg), were evaluated. Additionally, functional groups and morphology were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy. Low-fat dressings were prepared using NS and MS at two concentrations, 2% and 3% (NS2, NS3, MS2, MS3), and the stability of the dressings was evaluated over a storage period of 28 days at 4 °C ± 2.0 °C. The percentage of acetylation and the degree of substitution obtained were 2.48% and 0.01, respectively, complying with current regulations. MS showed a higher amylose content (23.62 ± 1.89%) than NS (16.01 ± 0.43%). The Tg of MS decreased, and the appearance of bands at 1012 and 1723 cm-1 in the FT-IR spectra suggested a modification in the functional characteristics of starch due to acetylation. Emulsions of MS at 2% and 3% (MS2 and MS3) showed a smaller droplet size and higher interfacial dispersion. However, MS3 had higher viscosity, which contributed to an increase in hydrophobicity and delays in flocculation and subsequent coalescence. This research study provides useful information on the use of 3% MS dressings in new food formulations, reducing fat content while preserving functional characteristics, thus ensuring greater stability.

Size-polydispersity-induced effects on the structure of active Brownian pseudo-hard disks

Studies of the effects of particle-size polydispersity or of particle interactions on active matter have been limited to determine and analyze the system short-time dynamics in the high-density regime. On the other hand, the effects of polydispersity on the structural behavior of active systems are of relevance and have received much less attention. In this paper, we comprehensively analyze the effects of size dispersion of pseudo hard-disk active Brownian particles, on its structural behavior at different system densities and different self-propelling velocities, thus elucidating the interplay of these features with the polydispersity. This is introduced into our analysis by well-known particle size distributions in such a manner that the average size is fixed, but with a variance that accounts for different dispersion of the particle size according to: Gaussian, Weibull, uniform and “two point” distribution. Local and global structural properties of the system are determined under these considerations. We observe that activity and size polydisperse effects become relevantly conspicuous at densities above the motility induced phase separation critical point of the monodispersal fluid. We notice that, while the activity promotes a more defined local and global structural arrangement, the polydispersity decreases such structure, observing the greatest effect when the particle size is defined by a uniform distribution.

Preparation of Ni/ZnCo2O4@ZnO composite metal oxide adsorbent and its adsorption desulfurization and regeneration performance

Metal Co was introduced into ZnO by co-precipitation to form composite metal oxides as the desulfurization agent with different Co contents, with which the desulfurization activity and regeneration performance were investigated. The systematic characterization of the structure and properties of the desulfurization agent using XRD, TEM, N2 adsorption and desorption, XPS and H2-TPR confirmed that the composite metal oxide desulfurization agent had the Ni/ZnCo2O4@ZnO structure. The formation of ZnCo2O4 in the composite metal oxides desulfurization agent facilitated the particle size reduction, dispersion enhancement and specific surface area increase of the desulfurization agent, which also acted as an adsorbent for H2S indicated by the XRD analysis, improving the sulfur adsorption capacity of the desulfurization agent. The desulfurization performance of all the composite metal oxide desulfurization agents was higher than that of Ni/ZnO, in which the desulfurization agent NZCo-3 with a molar ratio of Zn:Co of 1:1 exhibited the optimal desulfurization performance, and the desulfurization rate was 100% at a reaction temperature of 300 °C, a hydrogen pressure of 3 MPa, a mass-air velocity of 2.2 h–1, and a hydrogen-oil ratio of 300, and the excellent desulfurization performance was maintained after 6 cycles. The results of this study provide new ideas for the rational design of Ni/ZnO desulfurization agent to improve its desulfurization and regeneration performance.

Synthesis of dumbbell-like heteronanostructures encapsulated in ferritin protein: Towards multifunctional protein based opto-magnetic nanomaterials for biomedical theranostic

Dumbbell-like hetero nanostructures based on gold and iron oxides is a promising material for biomedical applications, useful as versatile theranostic agents due the synergistic effect of their optical and magnetic properties. However, achieving precise control on their morphology, size dispersion, colloidal stability, biocompatibility and cell targeting remains as a current challenge. In this study, we address this challenge by employing biomimetic routes, using ferritin protein nanocages as template for these nanoparticles’ synthesis. We present the development of an opto-magnetic nanostructures using the ferritin protein, wherein gold and iron oxide nanostructures were produced within its cavity. Initially, we investigated the synthesis of gold nanostructures within the protein, generating clusters and plasmonic nanoparticles. Subsequently, we optimized the conditions for the superparamagnetic nanoparticles synthesis through controlled iron oxidation, thereby enhancing the magnetic properties of the resulting system. Finally, we produce magnetic nanoparticles in the protein with gold clusters, achieving the coexistence of both nanostructures within a single protein molecule, a novel material unprecedented to date. We observed that factors such as temperature, metal/protein ratios, pH, dialysis, and purification processes all have an impact on protein recovery, loading efficiency, morphology, and nanoparticle size. Our findings highlight the development of ferritin-based nanomaterials as versatile platforms for potential biomedical use as multifunctional theranostic agents.

Advanced X/γ-Ray-Shielding Materials Enabled by the In Situ Generation of Cerium-Tungsten Nanoparticles Within Regenerated Collagen Fibers.

Advanced X- and γ-ray-shielding materials are conventionally designed and fabricated via the uniform dispersion of high-Z elements into the substrate. These soluble high-Z elements considerably reduced the particle size of functional components; however, the as-obtained composites exhibited weak absorption region at 40-80keV and poor water resistance. To address these issues, such materials are fabricated by introducing cerium and tungsten into regenerated collagen fibers (RCFs) using a "dual impregnation-desolvation" strategy. The uniform dispersion of functional components is achieved via the in situ generation of cerium-tungsten nanoparticles (CeW NPs) under multiple impregnating and desolvating cycles; as a result, the CeW NPs achieved an ultrasmall particle size of 17.15nm. Benefiting from the ultrasmall particle size and uniform dispersion of CeW NPs, the fabricated CeW-RCF composites exhibit satisfactory X- and γ-ray-shielding capabilities with an ultrahigh mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of 5.9cm2g-1 at 83keV, higher than that of lead plates. The CeW-RCF composites also exhibit outstanding mechanical strength, low density, and high air permeability, demonstrating their superior wearability. This work provides novel insights into the design and fabrication of advanced X- and γ-ray-shielding materials with high radiation-shielding performance and enhanced wearability.

Microfluidic-Generated Injectable Bulking Agents with Biocompatible Surfaces and Their Mid-term Outcomes in a Rat Model with Anal Sphincter Injury.

Bulking agents have gained attention as new, minimally invasive treatments for fecal incontinence. Various materials and surface treatment techniques have been extensively studied to ensure good biocompatibility and long-term stability. Despite significant improvements in biocompatibility, the nonuniform particle size of existing materials has led to other challenges, such as the induction of phagocytosis or reduction of injectability during in vivo tests. This study aimed to conduct a preclinical test of the midterm stability of bulking agents with newly formulated particles with uniform size. To this end, the particles were fabricated using microfluidics, resulting in a narrow size dispersity of less than 5% as the coefficient of variation, which is essentially distinct from conventional bulking agents. The microfluidic fabrication resulted in uniformly sized particles larger than the in vivo migratory limit of 80 μm and in a reduction in maximum injection pressure. Histological staining and microscopic observations confirmed proper positioning of the filler materials in vivo and a negligible immune response for up to 6 months, indicating successful midterm stability.