The preparation of mono- and multicomponent nanoparticle aggregates with layer-by-layer structure using emulsion templating method in microfluidics. (16th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ježková, Martina; Jelínek, Petr; Marelja, Oskar; Trunov, Dan; Jarošová, Markéta; Slouka, Zdeněk; Šoóš, Miroslav
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering science. Volume 247(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01-16
• Subjects: Nanoparticle aggregate -- Colloidosome -- Emulsion templating method -- Microfluidic channel -- CFD -- N-butanol; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; Chemical engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 660
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.117084
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-2509

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Mono- and multicomponent aggregates composed of individual NPs are produced. Aggregates have a layer-by-layer structure with IO and Au NPs covered by PCL NPs. Emulsion templating method in microfluidics enables the aggregate size reduction. New vortex mixer for polycaprolactone NPs preparation is developed. CFD modelling of two-phase system helps with the system description and prediction. Abstract: We report on the preparation of multicomponent hollow aggregates by an emulsion templating method adapted to microfluidic format. The method exploits partial miscibility of aqueous colloidal solutions as discrete phase and n-butanol as continuous phase. The aggregates consisted of an inner inorganic shell composed of iron oxide (IO) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) covered with polycaprolactone (PCL) NPs. The aggregates of smaller sizes were prepared compared to immiscible phases due to the diffusion-controlled shrinkage of aqueous droplets. The aggregate surface properties were controlled by using different mobilities and affinities of IO, Au, and PCL NPs to the water:n-butanol interface. The biocompatible surface layer enclosing an inorganic shell with a core space for possible cargo loading endowed these constructs with properties appreciated in medicinal applications. A computational fluid dynamics model enabled the prediction of the droplet size and formation frequency together with flow field properties at the point of droplet detachment.