Effect of the gelation process on the production of alginate microbeads by microfluidic chip technology

Lab Chip. 2008 Apr;8(4):617-21. doi: 10.1039/b714876c. Epub 2008 Feb 25.

Abstract

The present paper reports the production of Ba-alginate microspheres by microfluidic chip technology. The general production strategy is based on the formation of an alginate multiphase flow by a 'Y' junction squeezing mechanism. Special emphasis is given to the relationship existing between the gelation process and the final morphological characteristics of the produced microbeads. A series of different gelation strategies, namely: 'external gelation', 'internal gelation' and 'partial gelation' were compared in terms of size, size distribution and morphology of the produced microbeads.

MeSH terms

  • Alginates / chemical synthesis*
  • Alginates / ultrastructure
  • Gels / chemistry*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods*
  • Microspheres*
  • Particle Size
  • Photomicrography / methods

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Gels