(400c) Microfluidic Synthesis of Non-Spherical Polymeric Colloids with Tunable Deformability

We demonstrate a method, based upon photopolymerization in microfluidic devices, for the synthesis of polymeric hydrogel microparticles with anisotropic shape and tunable flexibility. The particles are of comparable size and shape to red blood cells (RBCs) and have tunable deformability resulting in bio-mimetic properties. We discuss means of particle synthesis and characterization of particle deformability. We additionally discuss potential applications for these novel materials. Our approach is unique in that we decouple particle size, shape, and chemical properties and we are able to exert independent control over each of these features. The size and shape of the particles are dictated by a photolithographic mask and geometry of the microfluidic channel, allowing for the production of complex shapes not realizable using other methods. The flexibility of the particles can be tuned by altering the chemistry of the particles independent of the shape and size.