1
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Agha A, Abu-Nada E, Alazzam A. Integration of acoustic micromixing with cyclic olefin copolymer microfluidics for enhanced lab-on-a-chip applications in nanoscale liposome synthesis. Biofabrication 2024; 16:045004. [PMID: 38942007 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad5d19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
The integration of acoustic wave micromixing with microfluidic systems holds great potential for applications in biomedicine and lab-on-a-chip technologies. Polymers such as cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) are increasingly utilized in microfluidic applications due to its unique properties, low cost, and versatile fabrication methods, and incorporating them into acoustofluidics significantly expands their potential applications. In this work, for the first time, we demonstrated the integration of polymer microfluidics with acoustic micromixing utilizing oscillating sharp edge structures to homogenize flowing fluids. The sharp edge mixing platform was entirely composed of COC fabricated in a COC-hydrocarbon solvent swelling based microfabrication process. As an electrical signal is applied to a piezoelectric transducer bonded to the micromixer, the sharp edges start to oscillate generating vortices at its tip, mixing the fluids. A 2D numerical model was implemented to determine the optimum microchannel dimensions for experimental mixing assessment. The system was shown to successfully mix fluids at flow rates up to 150µl h-1and has a modest effect even at the highest tested flow rate of 600µl h-1. The utility of the fabricated sharp edge micromixer was demonstrated by the synthesis of nanoscale liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Agha
- Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eiyad Abu-Nada
- Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anas Alazzam
- Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- System on Chip Lab, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
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2
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Xu H, Wang Z, Wei W, Li T, Duan X. Microfluidic confined acoustic streaming vortex for liposome synthesis. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2802-2810. [PMID: 38693825 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00184b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Liposomes have garnered significant attention owing to their favorable characteristics as promising carriers. Microfluidic based hydrodynamic flow focusing, or micro-mixing approaches enable precise control of liposome size during their synthesis due to the comparable size scale. However, current microfluidic approaches still have issues such as high flow rate dependency, complex chip structures, and ease of clogging. Herein, we present a novel microfluidic platform for size-tunable liposome synthesis based on an ultra-high-frequency acoustic resonator. By designing the shape and orientation of the acoustic resonator in the three-phase laminar flow, it combined the features of both hydrodynamic flow focusing and rapid micro-mixing. The distribution of lipid precursor solution in laminar flow and the mixing conditions could be regulated by the confined acoustic streaming vortex. We successfully synthesize liposomes with adjustable sizes and narrow size distributions. Notably, this platform regulates the product size by adjusting only the input power, which is less dependent on the flow rate. Furthermore, the vortex-like fluid flow generated along the device edge effectively prevents precipitation due to excessive lipid concentration or contact with the wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, College of Precision Instruments and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Zhaoxun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, College of Precision Instruments and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, College of Precision Instruments and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Tiechuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, College of Precision Instruments and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Xuexin Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, College of Precision Instruments and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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3
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Mehta M, Bui TA, Yang X, Aksoy Y, Goldys EM, Deng W. Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Drug/Gene Delivery: An Overview of the Production Techniques and Difficulties Encountered in Their Industrial Development. ACS MATERIALS AU 2023; 3:600-619. [PMID: 38089666 PMCID: PMC10636777 DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialsau.3c00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the therapeutic potential of nanomaterials as novel drug delivery systems complementing conventional pharmacology has been widely acknowledged. Among these nanomaterials, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown remarkable pharmacological performance and promising therapeutic outcomes, thus gaining substantial interest in preclinical and clinical research. In this review, we introduce the main types of LNPs used in drug formulations such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles, focusing on their main physicochemical properties and therapeutic potential. We discuss computational studies and modeling techniques to enhance the understanding of how LNPs interact with therapeutic cargo and to predict the potential effectiveness of such interactions in therapeutic applications. We also analyze the benefits and drawbacks of various LNP production techniques such as nanoprecipitation, emulsification, evaporation, thin film hydration, microfluidic-based methods, and an impingement jet mixer. Additionally, we discuss the major challenges associated with industrial development, including stability and sterilization, storage, regulatory compliance, reproducibility, and quality control. Overcoming these challenges and facilitating regulatory compliance represent the key steps toward LNP's successful commercialization and translation into clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Mehta
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information
Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Thuy Anh Bui
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information
Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Xinpu Yang
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information
Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Yagiz Aksoy
- Cancer
Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research,
Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW 2065 Australia - Sydney
Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Ewa M. Goldys
- Graduate
School of Biomedical Engineering, ARC Centre of Excellence in Nanoscale
Biophotonics, Faculty of Engineering, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Wei Deng
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information
Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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4
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Yao F, Zhu P, Chen J, Li S, Sun B, Li Y, Zou M, Qi X, Liang P, Chen Q. Synthesis of nanoparticles via microfluidic devices and integrated applications. Mikrochim Acta 2023; 190:256. [PMID: 37301779 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-05838-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, nanomaterials have attracted the research intervention of experts in the fields of catalysis, energy, biomedical testing, and biomedicine with their unrivaled optical, chemical, and biological properties. From basic metal and oxide nanoparticles to complex quantum dots and MOFs, the stable preparation of various nanomaterials has always been a struggle for researchers. Microfluidics, as a paradigm of microscale control, is a remarkable platform for online stable synthesis of nanomaterials with efficient mass and heat transfer in microreactors, flexible blending of reactants, and precise control of reaction conditions. We describe the process of microfluidic preparation of nanoparticles in the last 5 years in terms of microfluidic techniques and the methods of microfluidic manipulation of fluids. Then, the ability of microfluidics to prepare different nanomaterials, such as metals, oxides, quantum dots, and biopolymer nanoparticles, is presented. The effective synthesis of some nanomaterials with complex structures and the cases of nanomaterials prepared by microfluidics under extreme conditions (high temperature and pressure), the compatibility of microfluidics as a superior platform for the preparation of nanoparticles is demonstrated. Microfluidics has a potent integration capability to combine nanoparticle synthesis with real-time monitoring and online detection, which significantly improves the quality and production efficiency of nanoparticles, and also provides a high-quality ultra-clean platform for some bioassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqi Yao
- College of Metrology and Measurement Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengpeng Zhu
- College of Metrology and Measurement Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Chen
- College of Metrology and Measurement Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Suyang Li
- College of Optical and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Biao Sun
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfeng Li
- College of Information Engineering, China Jiliang University, 310018, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingqiang Zou
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine (CAIQ), 100123, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Qi
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine (CAIQ), 100123, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Liang
- College of Optical and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qiang Chen
- College of Metrology and Measurement Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Cao X, Liu Q, Shi W, Liu K, Deng T, Weng X, Pan S, Yu Q, Deng W, Yu J, Wang Q, Xiao G, Xu X. Microfluidic fabricated bisdemethoxycurcumin thermosensitive liposome with enhanced antitumor effect. Int J Pharm 2023; 641:123039. [PMID: 37225026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China; Medicinal function development of new food resources, Jiangsu Provincial Research center, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China; Medicinal function development of new food resources, Jiangsu Provincial Research center, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwan Shi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China; Medicinal function development of new food resources, Jiangsu Provincial Research center, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China; Medicinal function development of new food resources, Jiangsu Provincial Research center, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianwen Deng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China; Medicinal function development of new food resources, Jiangsu Provincial Research center, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuedi Weng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Siting Pan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingtong Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China; Medicinal function development of new food resources, Jiangsu Provincial Research center, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Deng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China; Medicinal function development of new food resources, Jiangsu Provincial Research center, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangnan Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China; Medicinal function development of new food resources, Jiangsu Provincial Research center, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qilong Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China; Medicinal function development of new food resources, Jiangsu Provincial Research center, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Gao Xiao
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, P. R. China.
| | - Ximing Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China; Medicinal function development of new food resources, Jiangsu Provincial Research center, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Agha A, Waheed W, Stiharu I, Nerguizian V, Destgeer G, Abu-Nada E, Alazzam A. A review on microfluidic-assisted nanoparticle synthesis, and their applications using multiscale simulation methods. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2023; 18:18. [PMID: 36800044 PMCID: PMC9936499 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed an increased interest in the development of nanoparticles (NPs) owing to their potential use in a wide variety of biomedical applications, including drug delivery, imaging agents, gene therapy, and vaccines, where recently, lipid nanoparticle mRNA-based vaccines were developed to prevent SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19. NPs typically fall into two broad categories: organic and inorganic. Organic NPs mainly include lipid-based and polymer-based nanoparticles, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymersomes, dendrimers, and polymer micelles. Gold and silver NPs, iron oxide NPs, quantum dots, and carbon and silica-based nanomaterials make up the bulk of the inorganic NPs. These NPs are prepared using a variety of top-down and bottom-up approaches. Microfluidics provide an attractive synthesis alternative and is advantageous compared to the conventional bulk methods. The microfluidic mixing-based production methods offer better control in achieving the desired size, morphology, shape, size distribution, and surface properties of the synthesized NPs. The technology also exhibits excellent process repeatability, fast handling, less sample usage, and yields greater encapsulation efficiencies. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the microfluidic-based passive and active mixing techniques for NP synthesis, and their latest developments. Additionally, a summary of microfluidic devices used for NP production is presented. Nonetheless, despite significant advancements in the experimental procedures, complete details of a nanoparticle-based system cannot be deduced from the experiments alone, and thus, multiscale computer simulations are utilized to perform systematic investigations. The work also details the most common multiscale simulation methods and their advancements in unveiling critical mechanisms involved in nanoparticle synthesis and the interaction of nanoparticles with other entities, especially in biomedical and therapeutic systems. Finally, an analysis is provided on the challenges in microfluidics related to nanoparticle synthesis and applications, and the future perspectives, such as large-scale NP synthesis, and hybrid formulations and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Agha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Waqas Waheed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- System on Chip Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | | | - Ghulam Destgeer
- Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eiyad Abu-Nada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Anas Alazzam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- System on Chip Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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7
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Gouveia MG, Wesseler JP, Ramaekers J, Weder C, Scholten PBV, Bruns N. Polymersome-based protein drug delivery - quo vadis? Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:728-778. [PMID: 36537575 PMCID: PMC9890519 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00106c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics are an attractive alternative to established therapeutic approaches and represent one of the fastest growing families of drugs. While many of these proteins can be delivered using established formulations, the intrinsic sensitivity of proteins to denaturation sometimes calls for a protective carrier to allow administration. Historically, lipid-based self-assembled structures, notably liposomes, have performed this function. After the discovery of polymersome-based targeted drug-delivery systems, which offer manifold advantages over lipid-based structures, the scientific community expected that such systems would take the therapeutic world by storm. However, no polymersome formulations have been commercialised. In this review article, we discuss key obstacles for the sluggish translation of polymersome-based protein nanocarriers into approved pharmaceuticals, which include limitations imparted by the use of non-degradable polymers, the intricacies of polymersome production methods, and the complexity of the in vivo journey of polymersomes across various biological barriers. Considering this complex subject from a polymer chemist's point of view, we highlight key areas that are worthy to explore in order to advance polymersomes to a level at which clinical trials become worthwhile and translation into pharmaceutical and nanomedical applications is realistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micael G Gouveia
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Justus P Wesseler
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Jobbe Ramaekers
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Christoph Weder
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Philip B V Scholten
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Nico Bruns
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
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8
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Recent approaches to mRNA vaccine delivery by lipid-based vectors prepared by continuous-flow microfluidic devices. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:1561-1581. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in nanotechnology have resulted in the introduction of several nonviral delivery vectors for the nontoxic, efficient delivery of encapsulated mRNA-based vaccines. Lipid- and polymer-based nanoparticles (NP) have proven to be the most potent delivery systems, providing increased delivery efficiency and protection of mRNA molecules from degradation. Here, the authors provide an overview of the recent studies carried out using lipid NPs and their functionalized forms, polymeric and lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers utilized mainly for the encapsulation of mRNAs for gene and immune therapeutic applications. A microfluidic system as a prevalent methodology for the preparation of NPs with continuous flow enables NP size tuning, rapid mixing and production reproducibility. Continuous-flow microfluidic devices for lipid and polymeric encapsulated RNA NP production are specifically reviewed.
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9
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Carvalho BG, Ceccato BT, Michelon M, Han SW, de la Torre LG. Advanced Microfluidic Technologies for Lipid Nano-Microsystems from Synthesis to Biological Application. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:141. [PMID: 35057037 PMCID: PMC8781930 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an emerging technology that can be employed as a powerful tool for designing lipid nano-microsized structures for biological applications. Those lipid structures can be used as carrying vehicles for a wide range of drugs and genetic materials. Microfluidic technology also allows the design of sustainable processes with less financial demand, while it can be scaled up using parallelization to increase production. From this perspective, this article reviews the recent advances in the synthesis of lipid-based nanostructures through microfluidics (liposomes, lipoplexes, lipid nanoparticles, core-shell nanoparticles, and biomimetic nanovesicles). Besides that, this review describes the recent microfluidic approaches to produce lipid micro-sized structures as giant unilamellar vesicles. New strategies are also described for the controlled release of the lipid payloads using microgels and droplet-based microfluidics. To address the importance of microfluidics for lipid-nanoparticle screening, an overview of how microfluidic systems can be used to mimic the cellular environment is also presented. Future trends and perspectives in designing novel nano and micro scales are also discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna G. Carvalho
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Bruno T. Ceccato
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Mariano Michelon
- School of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil;
| | - Sang W. Han
- Center for Cell Therapy and Molecular, Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04044-010, Brazil;
| | - Lucimara G. de la Torre
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
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10
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Du X, Gao Y, Kang Q, Xing J. Design and Applications of Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Nanogels as Drug Carriers. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:771851. [PMID: 34746113 PMCID: PMC8569621 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.771851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the exploration of tumor microenvironment has provided a new approach for tumor treatment. More and more researches are devoted to designing tumor microenvironment-responsive nanogels loaded with therapeutic drugs. Compared with other drug carriers, nanogel has shown great potential in improving the effect of chemotherapy, which is attributed to its stable size, superior hydrophilicity, excellent biocompatibility, and responsiveness to specific environment. This review primarily summarizes the common preparation techniques of nanogels (such as free radical polymerization, covalent cross-linking, and physical self-assembly) and loading ways of drug in nanogels (including physical encapsulation and chemical coupling) as well as the controlled drug release behaviors. Furthermore, the difficulties and prospects of nanogels as drug carriers are also briefly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjing Du
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuting Gao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qi Kang
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinfeng Xing
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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11
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Gkionis L, Campbell RA, Aojula H, Harris LK, Tirella A. Manufacturing drug co-loaded liposomal formulations targeting breast cancer: Influence of preparative method on liposomes characteristics and in vitro toxicity. Int J Pharm 2020; 590:119926. [PMID: 33010397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Developing more efficient manufacturing methods for nano therapeutic systems is becoming important, not only to better control their physico-chemical characteristics and therapeutic efficacy but also to ensure scale-up is cost-effective. The principle of cross-flow chemistry allows precise control over manufacturing parameters for the fabrication of uniform liposomal formulations, as well as providing reproducible manufacturing scale-up compared to conventional methods. We have herein investigated the use of microfluidics to produce PEGylated DSPC liposomes loaded with doxorubicin and compared their performance against identical formulations prepared by the thin-film method. The isoprenylated coumarin umbelliprenin was selected as a co-therapeutic. Umbelliprenin-loaded and doxorubicin:umbelliprenin co-loaded liposomes were fabricated using the optimised microfluidic set-up. The role of umbelliprenin as lipid bilayer fluidity modulation was characterized, and we investigated its role on liposomes size, size distribution, shape and stability compared to doxorubicin-loaded liposomes. Finally, the toxicity of all liposomal formulations was tested on a panel of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7, MDA-MB 231, BT-474) to identify the most potent formulation by liposomal fabrication method and loaded compound(s). We herein show that the microfluidic system is an alternative method to produce doxorubicin:umbelliprenin co-loaded liposomes, allowing fine control over liposome size (100-250 nm), shape, uniformity and doxorubicin drug loading (>80%). Umbelliprenin was shown to confer fluidity to model lipid biomembranes, which helps to explain the more homogeneous size and shape of co-loaded liposomes compared to liposomes without umbelliprenin. The toxicity of doxorubicin:umbelliprenin co-loaded liposomes was lower than that of free doxorubicin, due to the delayed release of doxorubicin from liposomes. An alternative, rapid and easy manufacturing method for the production of liposomes has been established using microfluidics to effectively produce uniform doxorubicin:umbelliprenin co-loaded liposomal formulations with proven cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cell lines in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas Gkionis
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Richard A Campbell
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Harmesh Aojula
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Lynda K Harris
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK; St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Annalisa Tirella
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
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12
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Kimura N, Maeki M, Sato Y, Ishida A, Tani H, Harashima H, Tokeshi M. Development of a Microfluidic-Based Post-Treatment Process for Size-Controlled Lipid Nanoparticles and Application to siRNA Delivery. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:34011-34020. [PMID: 32667806 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c05489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic methodologies for preparation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) based on an organic solvent injection method enable precise size control of the LNPs. After preparation of LNPs, the organic solvent injection method needs some post-treatments, such as overnight dialysis or direct dilution with a buffer solution. LNP production using the microfluidic-based organic solvent injection method is dominated by kinetics rather than thermodynamics. Kinetics of ethanol removal from the inner and outer membranes of LNPs could induce a structural change in the membrane that could lead to fusion of LNPs. However, the effects of microfluidic post-treatment on the final size of LNPs have not been sufficiently understood. Herein, we investigated the effect of the post-treatment processes on the final product size of LNPs in detail. A simple baffle device and a model lipid system composed of a neutral phospholipid (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, POPC) and cholesterol were used to produce the LNPs. We demonstrated that flow conditions of the post-treatment diluting the remaining ethanol in the LNP suspension affected the final product size of LNPs. Based on the findings, we developed an integrated baffle device composed of an LNP production region and a post-treatment region for a microfluidic-based LNP production system; this integrated baffle device prevented the undesirable aggregation or fusion of POPC LNPs even for the high-lipid-concentration condition. Finally, we applied our concept to small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery and confirmed that no significant effects due to the continuous process occurred on the siRNA encapsulation efficiency, biological distribution, and knockdown activity. The microfluidic post-treatment method is expected to contribute to the production of LNPs for practical applications and the development of novel LNP-based nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Kimura
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Maeki
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
- JST PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita, 12 Nishi 6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ishida
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Tani
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita, 12 Nishi 6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Manabu Tokeshi
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
- Innovative Research Center for Preventive Medical Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Institute of Nano-Life Systems, Institutes of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
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Ni M, Tresset G, Iliescu C, Hauser CAE. Ultrashort Peptide Theranostic Nanoparticles by Microfluidic-Assisted Rapid Solvent Exchange. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2020; 19:627-632. [PMID: 32746332 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2020.3007103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ultrashort peptides (USPs), composed of three to seven amino acids, can self-assemble into nanofibers in pure water. Here, using hydrodynamic focusing and a solvent exchange method on a microfluidic setup, we convert these nanofibers into globular nanoparticles with excellent dimensional control and polydispersity. Thanks to USP nanocarriers' structure, different drugs can be loaded. We used Curcumin as a model drug to evaluate the performance of USP nanocarriers as a novel drug delivery vehicle. These nanoparticles can efficiently cross the cell membrane and possess nonlinear optical properties. Therefore, we envisage USP nanoparticles as promising future theranostic nanocarriers.
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Zhao X, Bian F, Sun L, Cai L, Li L, Zhao Y. Microfluidic Generation of Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1901943. [PMID: 31259464 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201901943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
As nanomaterials (NMs) possess attractive physicochemical properties that are strongly related to their specific sizes and morphologies, they are becoming one of the most desirable components in the fields of drug delivery, biosensing, bioimaging, and tissue engineering. By choosing an appropriate methodology that allows for accurate control over the reaction conditions, not only can NMs with high quality and rapid production rate be generated, but also designing composite and efficient products for therapy and diagnosis in nanomedicine can be realized. Recent evidence implies that microfluidic technology offers a promising platform for the synthesis of NMs by easy manipulation of fluids in microscale channels. In this Review, a comprehensive set of developments in the field of microfluidics for generating two main classes of NMs, including nanoparticles and nanofibers, and their various potentials in biomedical applications are summarized. Furthermore, the major challenges in this area and opinions on its future developments are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
- Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, P. R. China
| | - Feika Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Lijun Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
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Mahmoudi Z, Mohammadnejad J, Razavi Bazaz S, Abouei Mehrizi A, Saidijam M, Dinarvand R, Ebrahimi Warkiani M, Soleimani M. Promoted chondrogenesis of hMCSs with controlled release of TGF-β3 via microfluidics synthesized alginate nanogels. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 229:115551. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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17
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Aghaei H, Solaimany Nazar AR. Continuous Production of the Nanoscale Liposome in a Double Flow-Focusing Microfluidic Device. Ind Eng Chem Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.9b04079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Halimeh Aghaei
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81746-72441, Iran
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Rasouli MR, Tabrizian M. An ultra-rapid acoustic micromixer for synthesis of organic nanoparticles. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:3316-3325. [PMID: 31495858 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00637k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Mixing is a crucial step in many chemical analyses and synthesis processes, particularly in nanoparticle formation, where it determines the nucleation rate, homogeneity, and physicochemical characteristics of the products. In this study, we propose an energy-efficient acoustic platform based on boundary-driven acoustic streaming, which provides the rapid mixing required to control nanoprecipitation. The device encompasses oscillatory bubbles and sharp edges in the microchannel to transform the acoustic energy into vigorous vortical fluid motions. The combination of bubbles and sharp edges at their immediate proximity induced substantially stronger acoustic microstreams than the simple superposition of their effects. The device could effectively homogenize DI water and fluorescein within a mixing length of 25.2 μm up to a flow rate of 116 μL min-1 at a driving voltage of 40 Vpp, corresponding to a mixing time of 0.8 ms. This rapid mixing was employed to mitigate some complexities in nanoparticle synthesis, namely controlling nanoprecipitation and size, batch to batch variation, synthesis throughput, and clogging. Both polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes were synthesized in this platform and showed a smaller effective size and narrower size distribution in comparison to those obtained by a hydrodynamic flow focusing method. Through changing the mixing time, the effective size of the nanoparticles could be fine-tuned for both polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. The rapid mixing and strong vortices prevent aggregation of nanoparticles, leading to a substantially higher throughput of liposomes in comparison with that by the hydrodynamic flow focusing method. The straightforward fabrication process of the system coupled with low power consumption, high-controllability, and rapid mixing time renders this mixer a practical platform for a myriad of nano and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reza Rasouli
- Biomedical Engineering Department-Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Maryam Tabrizian
- Biomedical Engineering Department-Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada. and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
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Trucillo P, Campardelli R, Scognamiglio M, Reverchon E. Control of liposomes diameter at micrometric and nanometric level using a supercritical assisted technique. J CO2 UTIL 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Mahmoodi Z, Mohammadnejad J, Razavi Bazaz S, Abouei Mehrizi A, Ghiass MA, Saidijam M, Dinarvand R, Ebrahimi Warkiani M, Soleimani M. A simple coating method of PDMS microchip with PTFE for synthesis of dexamethasone-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2019; 9:707-720. [DOI: 10.1007/s13346-019-00636-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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21
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Advances in microfluidics for lipid nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles and applications in drug delivery systems. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 128:84-100. [PMID: 29567396 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanobiomaterials as liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most widely used nanocarriers for drug delivery systems (DDSs). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exosomes are also expected to be applied as DDS nanocarriers. The performance of nanomedicines relies on their components such as lipids, targeting ligands, encapsulated DNA, encapsulated RNA, and drugs. Recently, the importance of the nanocarrier sizes smaller than 100nm is attracting attention as a means to improve nanomedicine performance. Microfluidics and lab-on-a chip technologies make it possible to produce size-controlled LNPs by a simple continuous flow process and to separate EVs from blood samples by using a surface marker, ligand, or electric charge or by making a mass or particle size discrimination. Here, we overview recent advances in microfluidic devices and techniques for liposomes, LNPs, and EVs and their applications for DDSs.
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