Recent advances in microfluidic production of Janus droplets and particles. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nisisako, Takasi
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in colloid & interface science. Volume 25(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Janus -- Droplet microfluidics -- Anisotropy; Surface chemistry -- Periodicals; Colloids -- Periodicals; 541.33
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2016.05.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-0294

Abstract

Abstract: Microfluidic production of multicompartmental emulsion droplets and particles has received considerable attention of late. In particular, droplets having two physically and chemically distinct segments (so-called Janus droplets) and the anisotropic particles synthesized from these droplets, are becoming increasingly popular because of their novel and promising properties, which make them suitable for use in numerous applications, including for controlled drug release, display devices, and self-assembly. So far, a range of interesting anisotropies have been accorded to Janus droplets and particles via microfluidics; these span from chromatic, magnetic, and hydrophobic–hydrophilic characteristics to selective degradation properties. Here, we summarize and discuss the recent trends related to Janus droplets and particles produced through microfluidic processing. We also review the parallelization technologies being developed for scaling up microfluidic emulsification in the industry. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A review on microfluidic production of Janus emulsion droplets and particles of late. Microfluidic Janus droplets and particles with various anisotropies are summarized. Recent technologies for scaling-up microfluidic emulsification are also discussed.