A digital microfluidic droplet generator produces self-assembled supramolecular nanoparticles for targeted cell imaging.

ABSTRACT: Controlling the size distribution of polymer-based nanoparticles is a challenging task due to their flexible core and surface structures. To accomplish such as task requires very precise control at the molecular level. Here we demonstrate a new approach whereby uniform-sized supramolecular nanoparticles (SNPs) can be reliably generated using a digital microfluidic droplet generator (DMDG) chip. A microfluidic environment enabled precise control over the processing parameters, and therefore high batch-to-batch reproducibility and robust production of SNPs with a very narrow size distribution could be realized. Digitally adjustment of the mixing ratios of the building blocks on the DMDG chip allowed us to rapidly scan a variety of synthesis conditions without consuming significant amounts of

SUBMITTER: Liu K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3744236 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature