Microfluidic platform for synthesis and optimization of chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles in cisplatin delivery

Advances in Microfluidic-Based Core@Shell Nanoparticles Fabrication for Cancer Applications

Current research in cancer therapy focuses on personalized therapies, through nanotechnology-based targeted drug delivery systems. Particularly, controlled drug release with nanoparticles (NPs) can be designed to safely transport various active agents, optimizing delivery to specific organs and tumors, minimizing side effects. The use of microfluidics (MFs) in this field has stood out against conventional methods by allowing precise control over parameters like size, structure, composition, and mechanical/biological properties of nanoscale carriers. This review compiles applications of microfluidics in the production of core-shell NPs (CSNPs) for cancer therapy, discussing the versatility inherent in various microchannel and/or micromixer setups and showcasing how these setups can be utilized individually or in combination, as well as how this technology allows the development of new advances in more efficient and controlled fabrication of core-shell nanoformulations. Recent biological studies have achieved an effective, safe, and controlled delivery of otherwise unreliable encapsulants such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), plasmid DNA (pDNA), and cisplatin as a result of precisely tuned fabrication of nanocarriers, showing that this technology is paving the way for innovative strategies in cancer therapy nanofabrication, characterized by continuous production and high reproducibility. Finally, this review analyzes the technical, biological, and technological limitations that currently prevent this technology from becoming the standard.

Influence of the Type of Biocompatible Polymer in the Shell of Magnetite Nanoparticles on Their Interaction with DPPC in Two-Component Langmuir Monolayers

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) are attractive nanomaterials for applications in magnetic resonance imaging, targeted drug delivery, and anticancer therapy due to their unique properties such as nontoxicity, wide chemical affinity, and intrinsic superparamagnetism. Their functionalization with polymers such as chitosan or poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) can not only improve their biocompatibility and biodegradability but it also plays an important role in their interactions with biological cells. In this work, the effect of the functionalization of MNPs with chitosan, PVA, and their blend on model cell membranes formed from 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) using a Langmuir technique was studied. The studies performed showed that the type of biocompatible polymer in the MNP shell plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of its adsorption process into the model cell membrane. Modification of MNPs with chitosan facilitates significantly more effective adsorption than coating them with PVA or with a chitosan and PVA blend. The presence of all the investigated MNPs in the DPPC monolayer at low concentrations does not affect its thermodynamic state, fluidity, or morphology, which is promising in terms of their biocompatibility. On the other hand, their high concentration (molar fraction above ≈0.05) exerts a disruptive effect on the model cell membrane and results in their aggregation, leading probably to the loss of their superparamagnetic properties essential for nanomedicine.

Magnetic nanoparticles fabricated/integrated with microfluidics for biological applications: A review

Nanostructured materials have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential in biological applications, such as cell and biomolecular sorting, as well as early detection of metastatic cancer. Among these materials, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) stand out for their easy functionalization, high specific surface area, chemical stability, and superparamagnetic properties. However, conventional fabrication methods can lead to inconsistencies in MNPs' characteristics and performance, highlighting the need for a cost-effective, controllable, and reproducible synthesis approach. In this review, we will discuss the utilization of microfluidic technology as a cutting-edge strategy for the continuous and regulated synthesis of MNPs. This approach has proven effective in producing MNPs with a superior biomedical performance by offering precise control over particle size, shape, and surface properties. We will examine the latest research findings on developing and integrating MNPs synthesized through continuous microfluidic processes for a wide range of biological applications. By providing an overview of the current state of the field, this review aims to showcase the advantages of microfluidics in the fabrication and integration of MNPs, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize diagnostic and therapeutic methods within the realm of biotechnology.

Enhancing Anticancer Efficacy of Formononetin Microspheres via Microfluidic Fabrication

Formononetin is a flavonoid compound with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its low solubility limits its clinical use. We employed microfluidic technology to prepare formononetin-loaded PLGA-PEGDA microspheres (Degradable polymer PLGA, Crosslinking agent PEGDA), which can encapsulate and release drugs in a controlled manner. We optimized and characterized the microspheres, and evaluated their antitumor effects. The microspheres had uniform size, high drug loading efficiency, high encapsulation efficiency, and stable release for 35 days. They also inhibited the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. The antitumor mechanism involved the induction of reactive oxygen species and modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins. These findings suggested that formononetin-loaded PLGA-PEGDA microspheres, created using microfluidic technology, could be a novel drug delivery system that can overcome the limitations of formononetin and enhance its antitumor activity.

Depolymerized Chitosan-g-[Poly(MMA-co-HEMA-cl-EGDMA)] Based Nanogels for Controlled Local Release of Bupivacaine

This study is designed to formulate and characterize chitosan-based nanogels that provide the controlled delivery of anesthetic drugs, such as bupivacaine (BPV), for effective postoperative pain management over prolonged periods of time. Drug carriers of chitosan/poly (MMA-co-HEMA-cl-EGDMA) (CsPMH) nanogels were prepared by varying the composition of comonomers such as MMA, HEMA, and redox initiator CAN. The nanogels were then characterized using FTIR, TGA, SEM, and TEM. The CsPMH nanogels showed greater encapsulation efficiencies from 43.20-91.77%. Computational studies were also conducted to evaluate the interaction between the drug and CsPMH nanoparticles. Finally, BPV-loaded nanoparticles were used to examine their in vitro release behavior. At pH 7.4, all the drug carriers displayed the "n" value around 0.7, thus the BPV release follows anomalous diffusion. Drug carrier 7 demonstrated a steady and sustained release of BPV for approximately 24 h and released about 91% of BPV, following the K-P mechanism of drug release. On the other hand, drug carrier 6 exhibited controlled release for approximately 12 h and released only 62% of BPV.

Magnetic chitosan oligomer-sulfonate-stearic acid triple combination as cisplatin carrier for site-specific targeted on MCF-7 cancer cells: Preparation, characterization and in vitro experiments

In this study, a new amphiphilic target-specific adsorbent, chitosan oligomer-sulfonate-stearic acid triple combination (S-Cho-SA), and magnetic chitosan oligomer-sulfonate-stearic acid triple combination (M-S-Cho-SA) by oleic acid (OA)-modified Fe3 O4 via hydrophobic interaction are fabricated. By modifying the nanoparticle surfaces and having the ability to magnetically allow the target region, these particles attract attention as important particles used in targeting mechanisms in cancer therapy. With magnetic nanoparticles and an external magnetic field, it is possible to transport therapeutic agents to the target site and keep them in the desired effect zone for a longer period of time. These new adsorbents are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA). After chemical characterization, it is complexed with cisplatin (CDDP). The magnetic adsorbents were loaded with high efficiency (>50%), and the release experiments exhibited that cisplatin is released more at pH 4.5 compared with pH 7.4 at 37°C. It showed better drug release results under a magnetic field for magnetic adsorbents (36% for pH 4.5 and 3.6% for pH 7.4). The biocompatibility of the prepared adsorbents was demonstrated via the XTT assay in MCF-7 cell lines. The results also exhibited that S-Cho-SA and M-S-Cho-SA were biocompatible, and free cisplatin and cisplatin-complexed adsorbents showed an antiproliferative effect. The results showed that these new cisplatin-loaded (M-S-Cho-SA) nanoparticles are good candidates for thermotherapy in cancer treatment in the future, as they can provide selectivity by site-specific targeting and hold onto an alternative magnetic field due to the magnetic nature of the nanoparticles.

Chitosan Nanoparticles for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Treatment

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic ailment that results from the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing heartburn and acid regurgitation. This review explores nanotechnology as a novel treatment approach for GERD. Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) offer several advantages, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and targeted drug delivery capabilities. CSNPs have been extensively studied due to their ability to encapsulate and release medications in a controlled manner. Different nanoparticle (NP) delivery systems, including gels, microspheres, and coatings, have been developed to enhance drug retention, drug targeting, and controlled release in the esophagus. These nanoparticles can target specific molecular pathways associated with acid regulation, esophageal tissue protection, and inflammation modulation. However, the optimization of nanoparticle formulations faces challenges, including ensuring stability, scalability, and regulatory compliance. The future may see CSNPs combined with other treatments like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or mucosal protectants for a synergistic therapeutic approach. Thus, CSNPs provide exciting opportunities for novel GERD treatment strategies.

Gelatin-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Loaded with Cisplatin for Anti-Cancer Therapy

Cisplatin (Cp), a chemotherapeutic agent, interacts with purines on tumor DNA, causing tumor cell apoptosis. However, cisplatin has the characteristics of non-specific distribution and lack of selectivity, resulting in systemic toxicity. Moreover, it cannot maintain the drug's high concentration in the tumor-weak acid environment. These flaws of cisplatin restrict its use in clinical applications. Therefore, a pH-responsive carbon nanotube-modified nano-drug delivery system (CNTs/Gel/Cp) was constructed in this study using gelatin (Gel)-modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs/Gel) loaded with cisplatin to release drugs precisely and slowly, preventing premature inactivation and maintaining an effective concentration. When MCp:MCNTs/Gel = 1:1, the drug reaches the highest loading rate and entrapment efficiency. To achieve the sustained-release effect, CNTs/Gel/Cp can release the medicine steadily for a long time in a pH environment of 6.0. Additionally, CNTs/Gel/Cp display antitumor properties comparable to cisplatin in a manner that varies with the dosage administered. These findings indicate that CNTs/Gel/Cp have an effective, sustained release of cisplatin and a good antitumor effect, providing a theoretical and experimental basis for the clinical application of modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a new drug delivery system.

Microfluidic fabricated bisdemethoxycurcumin thermosensitive liposome with enhanced antitumor effect

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is the main active ingredient that is isolated from Zingiberaceae plants, wherein it has excellent anti-tumor effects. However, insolubility in water limits its clinical application. Herein, we reported a microfluidic chip device that can load BDMC into the lipid bilayer to form BDMC thermosensitive liposome (BDMC TSL). The natural active ingredient glycyrrhizin was selected as the surfactant to improve solubility of BDMC. Particles of BDMC TSL had small size, homogenous size distribution, and enhanced cultimulative release in vitro. The anti-tumor effect of BDMC TSL on human hepatocellular carcinomas was investigated via 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method, live/dead staining, and flowcytometry. These results showed that the formulated liposome had a strong cancer cell inhibitory, and presented a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on migration. Further mechanistic studies showed that BDMC TSL combined with mild local hyperthermia could significantly upregulate B cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein levels and decrease B cell lymphoma 2 protein levels, thereby inducing cell apoptosis. The BDMC TSL that was fabricated via microfluidic device were decomposed under mild local hyperthermia, which could beneficially enhance the anti-tumor effect of raw insoluble materials and promote translation of liposome.

Gelatin/alginate-based microspheres with sphere-in-capsule structure for spatiotemporal manipulative drug release in gastrointestinal tract

Microsphere with sphere-in-capsule structure is a multi-drugs delivery system to achieve the purpose of combination therapy. In this paper, we have prepared gelatin/alginate-based microspheres with sphere-in-capsule structure by a relatively fast, simple, and easily large-scale industrialized emulsification method for spatiotemporal manipulative drug release in gastrointestinal tract. Calcium alginate microspheres encapsulated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were first prepared as inner microspheres, and then inner microspheres and ranitidine hydrochloride (RH) were co-encapsulated by gelatin microspheres to form double-layer microspheres with sphere-in-capsule structure. The size and distribution of microspheres can be easily controlled by emulsifying conditions. The microspheres with sphere-in-capsule structure displayed desirable encapsulation efficiency of BSA (61.52 %) and RH (56.07 %). The in vitro simulated drug release showed the spatiotemporal release feature of microspheres with sphere-in-capsule structure. In the specific simulated fluid, the release behavior and cumulative release of RH (sustainedly released 95 % in simulated gastric fluid) and BSA (rapidly released 73 % in simulated intestinal fluid) were different. The drug release mechanisms were analyzed to determine RH and BSA's release behavior. Overall, the microspheres with sphere-in-capsule structure have the potential application of spatiotemporal manipulative drug delivery in the gastrointestinal tract.

Translational Nanomedicines Across Human Reproductive Organs Modeling on Microfluidic Chips: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects

Forecasting the consequence of nanoparticles (NPs) and therapeutically significant molecules before materializing for human clinical trials is a mainstay for drug delivery and screening processes. One of the noteworthy obstacles that has prevented the clinical translation of NP-based drug delivery systems and novel drugs is the lack of effective preclinical platforms. As a revolutionary technology, the organ-on-a-chip (OOC), a coalition of microfluidics and tissue engineering, has surfaced as an alternative to orthodox screening platforms. OOC technology recapitulates the structural and physiological features of human organs along with intercommunications between tissues on a chip. The current review discusses the concept of microfluidics and confers cutting-edge fabrication processes for chip designing. We also outlined the advantages of microfluidics in analyzing NPs in terms of characterization, transport, and degradation in biological systems. The review further elaborates the scope and research on translational nanomedicines in human reproductive organs (testis, placenta, uterus, and menstrual cycle) by taking the advantages offered by microfluidics and shedding light on their potential future implications. Finally, we accentuate the existing challenges for clinical translation and scale-up dynamics for microfluidics chips and emphasize its future perspectives.

Study of Phase Transformations and Hyperfine Interactions in Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@Au Nanoparticles

The paper presents the results of a study of iron oxide nanoparticles obtained by chemical coprecipitation, coated (Fe₃O₄@Au) and not coated (Fe₃O₄) with gold, which were subjected to thermal annealing. To characterize the nanoparticles under study, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Mössbauer spectroscopy on ⁵⁷Fe nuclei were used, the combination of which made it possible to establish a sequence of phase transformations, changes in morphological and structural characteristics, as well as parameters of hyperfine interactions. During the studies, it was found that thermal annealing of nanoparticles leads to phase transformation processes in the following sequence: nonstoichiometric magnetite (Fe_3-γO₄) → maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) → hematite (α-Fe₂O₃), followed by structural ordering and coarsening of nanoparticles. It is shown that nanoparticles of nonstoichiometric magnetite with and without gold coating are in the superparamagnetic state with a slow relaxation rate. The magnetic anisotropy energy of nonstoichiometric magnetite is determined as a function of the annealing temperature. An estimate was made of the average size of the region of magnetic ordering of Fe atoms in nonstoichiometric magnetite, which is in good agreement with the data on the average sizes of nanoparticles determined by scanning electron microscopy.

Recent Trends of Microfluidics in Food Science and Technology: Fabrications and Applications

The development of novel materials with microstructures is now a trend in food science and technology. These microscale materials may be applied across all steps in food manufacturing, from raw materials to the final food products, as well as in the packaging, transport, and storage processes. Microfluidics is an advanced technology for controlling fluids in a microscale channel (1~100 μm), which integrates engineering, physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, etc. This technology allows unit operations to occur in devices that are closer in size to the expected structural elements. Therefore, microfluidics is considered a promising technology to develop micro/nanostructures for delivery purposes to improve the quality and safety of foods. This review concentrates on the recent developments of microfluidic systems and their novel applications in food science and technology, including microfibers/films via microfluidic spinning technology for food packaging, droplet microfluidics for food micro-/nanoemulsifications and encapsulations, etc.

Recent advances in surface modification of micro- and nano-scale biomaterials with biological membranes and biomolecules

Surface modification of biomaterial can improve its biocompatibility and add new biofunctions, such as targeting specific tissues, communication with cells, and modulation of intracellular trafficking. Here, we summarize the use of various natural materials, namely, cell membrane, exosomes, proteins, peptides, lipids, fatty acids, and polysaccharides as coating materials on micron- and nano-sized particles and droplets with the functions imparted by coating with different materials. We discuss the applicability, operational parameters, and limitation of different coating techniques, from the more conventional approaches such as extrusion and sonication to the latest innovation seen on the microfluidics platform. Methods commonly used in the field to examine the coating, including its composition, physical dimension, stability, fluidity, permeability, and biological functions, are reviewed.

Recent Advances of Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Lab on a Chip for Diagnosis and Treatment

Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) creates numerous promising opportunities in the life sciences. AI methods can be significantly advantageous for analyzing the massive datasets provided by biotechnology systems for biological and biomedical applications. Microfluidics, with the developments in controlled reaction chambers, high-throughput arrays, and positioning systems, generate big data that is not necessarily analyzed successfully. Integrating AI and microfluidics can pave the way for both experimental and analytical throughputs in biotechnology research. Microfluidics enhances the experimental methods and reduces the cost and scale, while AI methods significantly improve the analysis of huge datasets obtained from high-throughput and multiplexed microfluidics. This review briefly presents a survey of the role of AI and microfluidics in biotechnology. Also, the incorporation of AI with microfluidics is comprehensively investigated. Specifically, recent studies that perform flow cytometry cell classification, cell isolation, and a combination of them by gaining from both AI methods and microfluidic techniques are covered. Despite all current challenges, various fields of biotechnology can be remarkably affected by the combination of AI and microfluidic technologies. Some of these fields include point-of-care systems, precision, personalized medicine, regenerative medicine, prognostics, diagnostics, and treatment of oncology and non-oncology-related diseases.

Merits and advances of microfluidics in the pharmaceutical field: design technologies and future prospects

Microfluidics is used to manipulate fluid flow in micro-channels to fabricate drug delivery vesicles in a uniform tunable size. Thanks to their designs, microfluidic technology provides an alternative and versatile platform over traditional formulation methods of nanoparticles. Understanding the factors that affect the formulation of nanoparticles can guide the proper selection of microfluidic design and the operating parameters aiming at producing nanoparticles with reproducible properties. This review introduces the microfluidic systems' continuous flow (single-phase) and segmented flow (multiphase) and their different mixing parameters and mechanisms. Furthermore, microfluidic approaches for efficient production of nanoparticles as surface modification, anti-fouling, and post-microfluidic treatment are summarized. The review sheds light on the used microfluidic systems and operation parameters applied to prepare and fine-tune nanoparticles like lipid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticles as well as cross-linked nanoparticles. The approaches for scale-up production using microfluidics for clinical or industrial use are also highlighted. Furthermore, the use of microfluidics in preparing novel micro/nanofluidic drug delivery systems is presented. In conclusion, the characteristic vital features of microfluidics offer the ability to develop precise and efficient drug delivery nanoparticles.

Low Cost, Easily-Assembled Centrifugal Buoyancy-Based Emulsification and Digital PCR

Microfluidic-based droplet generation approaches require the design of microfluidic chips and a precise lithography process, which require skilled technicians and a long manufacturing time. Here we developed a centrifugal buoyancy-based emulsification (CBbE) method for producing droplets with high efficiency and minimal fabrication time. Our approach is to fabricate a droplet generation module that can be easily assembled using syringe needles and PCR tubes. With this module and a common centrifuge, high-throughput droplet generation with controllable droplet size could be realized in a few minutes. Experiments showed that the droplet diameter depended mainly on centrifugal speed, and droplets with controllable diameter from 206 to 158 μm could be generated under a centrifugal acceleration range from 14 to 171.9 g. Excellent droplet uniformity was achieved (CV < 3%) when centrifugal acceleration was greater than 108 g. We performed digital PCR tests through the CBbE approach and demonstrated that this cost-effective method not only eliminates the usage of complex microfluidic devices and control systems but also greatly suppresses the loss of materials and cross-contamination. CBbE-enabled droplet generation combines both easiness and robustness, and breaks the technical challenges by using conventional lab equipment and supplies.

Polymer-Based Nanosystems-A Versatile Delivery Approach

Polymer-based nanoparticles of tailored size, morphology, and surface properties have attracted increasing attention as carriers for drugs, biomolecules, and genes. By protecting the payload from degradation and maintaining sustained and controlled release of the drug, polymeric nanoparticles can reduce drug clearance, increase their cargo's stability and solubility, prolong its half-life, and ensure optimal concentration at the target site. The inherent immunomodulatory properties of specific polymer nanoparticles, coupled with their drug encapsulation ability, have raised particular interest in vaccine delivery. This paper aims to review current and emerging drug delivery applications of both branched and linear, natural, and synthetic polymer nanostructures, focusing on their role in vaccine development.

Microfluidic based nanoparticle synthesis and their potential applications

A lot of substantial innovation in advancement of microfluidic field in recent years to produce nanoparticle reveals a number of distinctive characteristics for instance compactness, controllability, fineness in process, and stability along with minimal reaction amount. Recently, a prompt development, as well as realization in production of nanoparticles in microfluidic environs having dimension of micro to nanometers and constituents extending from metals, semiconductors to polymers, has been made. Microfluidics technology integrates fluid mechanics for production of nanoparticles having exclusive with homogenous sizes, shapes, and morphology, which are utilized in several bioapplications such as biosciences, drug delivery, healthcare, including food engineering. Nanoparticles are usually well-known for having fine and rough morphology because of their small dimensions including exceptional physical, biological, chemical, and optical properties. Though the orthodox procedures need huge instruments, costly autoclaves, use extra power, extraordinary heat loss, as well as take surplus time for synthesis. Additionally, this is fascinating in order to systematize, assimilate, in addition, to reduce traditional tools onto one platform to produce micro and nanoparticles. The synthesis of nanoparticles by microfluidics permits fast handling besides better efficacy of method utilizing the smallest components for process. Herein, we will focus on synthesis of nanoparticles by means of microfluidic devices intended for different bioapplications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Tuning of Hydrogel Architectures by Ionotropic Gelation in Microfluidics: Beyond Batch Processing to Multimodal Diagnostics

Microfluidics is emerging as a promising tool to control physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and to accelerate clinical translation. Indeed, microfluidic-based techniques offer more advantages in nanomedicine over batch processes, allowing fine-tuning of process parameters. In particular, the use of microfluidics to produce nanoparticles has paved the way for the development of nano-scaled structures for improved detection and treatment of several diseases. Here, ionotropic gelation is implemented in a custom-designed microfluidic chip to produce different nanoarchitectures based on chitosan-hyaluronic acid polymers. The selected biomaterials provide biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxic properties to the formulation, making it promising for nanomedicine applications. Furthermore, results show that morphological structures can be tuned through microfluidics by controlling the flow rates. Aside from the nanostructures, the ability to encapsulate gadolinium contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging and a dye for optical imaging is demonstrated. In conclusion, the polymer nanoparticles here designed revealed the dual capability of enhancing the relaxometric properties of gadolinium by attaining Hydrodenticity and serving as a promising nanocarrier for multimodal imaging applications.

Advances in Magnetic Nanoparticles Engineering for Biomedical Applications-A Review

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) have been developed and applied for a broad range of biomedical applications, such as diagnostic imaging, magnetic fluid hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery, gene therapy and tissue repair. As one key element, reproducible synthesis routes of MNPs are capable of controlling and adjusting structure, size, shape and magnetic properties are mandatory. In this review, we discuss advanced methods for engineering and utilizing MNPs, such as continuous synthesis approaches using microtechnologies and the biosynthesis of magnetosomes, biotechnological synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles from bacteria. We compare the technologies and resulting MNPs with conventional synthetic routes. Prominent biomedical applications of the MNPs such as diagnostic imaging, magnetic fluid hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery and magnetic actuation in micro/nanorobots will be presented.

Microfluidic Technology for the Production of Hybrid Nanomedicines

Microfluidic technologies have recently been applied as innovative methods for the production of a variety of nanomedicines (NMeds), demonstrating their potential on a global scale. The capacity to precisely control variables, such as the flow rate ratio, temperature, total flow rate, etc., allows for greater tunability of the NMed systems that are more standardized and automated than the ones obtained by well-known benchtop protocols. However, it is a crucial aspect to be able to obtain NMeds with the same characteristics of the previously optimized ones. In this study, we focused on the transfer of a production protocol for hybrid NMeds (H-NMeds) consisting of PLGA, Cholesterol, and Pluronic® F68 from a benchtop nanoprecipitation method to a microfluidic device. For this aim, we modified parameters such as the flow rate ratio, the concentration of core materials in the organic phase, and the ratio between PLGA and Cholesterol in the feeding organic phase. Outputs analysed were the chemico-physical properties, such as size, PDI, and surface charge, the composition in terms of %Cholesterol and residual %Pluronic® F68, their stability to lyophilization, and the morphology via atomic force and electron microscopy. On the basis of the results, even if microfluidic technology is one of the unique procedures to obtain industrial production of NMeds, we demonstrated that the translation from a benchtop method to a microfluidic one is not a simple transfer of already established parameters, with several variables to be taken into account and to be optimized.

Microfluidic Synthesis, Control, and Sensing of Magnetic Nanoparticles: A Review

Magnetic nanoparticles have attracted significant attention in various disciplines, including engineering and medicine. Microfluidic chips and lab-on-a-chip devices, with precise control over small volumes of fluids and tiny particles, are appropriate tools for the synthesis, manipulation, and evaluation of nanoparticles. Moreover, the controllability and automation offered by the microfluidic chips in combination with the unique capabilities of the magnetic nanoparticles and their ability to be remotely controlled and detected, have recently provided tremendous advances in biotechnology. In particular, microfluidic chips with magnetic nanoparticles serve as sensitive, high throughput, and portable devices for contactless detecting and manipulating DNAs, RNAs, living cells, and viruses. In this work, we review recent fundamental advances in the field with a focus on biomedical applications. First, we study novel microfluidic-based methods in synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles as well as microparticles encapsulating them. We review both continues-flow and droplet-based microreactors, including the ones based on the cross-flow, co-flow, and flow-focusing methods. Then, we investigate the microfluidic-based methods for manipulating tiny magnetic particles. These manipulation techniques include the ones based on external magnets, embedded micro-coils, and magnetic thin films. Finally, we review techniques invented for the detection and magnetic measurement of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetically labeled bioparticles. We include the advances in anisotropic magnetoresistive, giant magnetoresistive, tunneling magnetoresistive, and magnetorelaxometry sensors. Overall, this review covers a wide range of the field uniquely and provides essential information for designing "lab-on-a-chip" systems for synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles, labeling bioparticles with them, and sorting and detecting them on a single chip.