Microfluidics for Two-Dimensional Nanosheets: A Mini Review

On-Demand Preparation of Boron Nitride Nanosheets for Functional Nanocomposites

Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) have garnered significant attention across diverse fields; however, accomplishing on-demand, large-scale, and highly efficient preparation of BNNSs remains a challenge. Here, an on-demand preparation (OdP) method combining high-pressure homogenization and short-time ultrasonication is presented; it enables a highly efficient and controllable preparation of BNNSs from bulk hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). The homogenization pressure and number of cycles are adjusted, and the production efficiency and yield of BNNSs reach 0.95 g g-1h-1 and 82.8%, respectively, which significantly exceed those attained by using existing methods. The universality of the OdP method is demonstrated on h-BN raw materials of various bulk sizes from various producers. Furthermore, this method allows the preparation of BNNSs having specific sizes based on the final requirements. Both simulation and experimental results indicate that large BNNSs are particularly suitable for enhancing the thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties of dielectric polymer nanocomposites. Interestingly, the small BNNS-filled photonic nanocomposite films fabricated via the OdP method exhibit superior daytime radiative cooling properties. Additionally, the OdP method offers the benefits of low energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fossil energy use. These findings underscore the unique advantages of the OdP method over other techniques for a high-efficiency and controllable preparation of large BNNSs.

Is it advantageous to use quality by design (QbD) to develop nanoparticle-based dosage forms for parenteral drug administration?

Parenteral administration is one of the most commonly used drug delivery routes for nanoparticle-based dosage forms, such as lipid-based and polymeric nanoparticles. For the treatment of various diseases, parenteral administration include intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular route. In drug development phase, multiparameter strategy with a focus on drug physicochemical properties and the specificity of the administration route is required. Nanoparticle properties in terms of size and targeted delivery, among others, are able to surpass many drawbacks of conventional dosage forms, but these unique properties can be a bottleneck for approval by regulatory authorities. Quality by Design (QbD) approach has been widely utilized in development of parenteral nanoparticle-based dosage forms. It fosters knowledge of product and process quality by involving sound scientific data and risk assessment strategies. A full and comprehensive investigation into the state of implementation and applications of the QbD approach in these complex drug products can highlight the gaps and challenges. In this review, the analysis of critical attributes and Design of Experiment (DoE) approach in different nanoparticulate systems, together with the proper utilization of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) applications are described. The essential of QbD approach for the design and development of nanoparticle-based dosage forms for delivery via parenteral routes is discussed thoroughly.

Niosomes: Composition, Formulation Techniques, and Recent Progress as Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy

Niosomes are vesicular nanocarriers, biodegradable, relatively non-toxic, stable, and inexpensive, that provide an alternative for lipid-solid carriers (e.g., liposomes). Niosomes may resolve issues related to the instability, fast degradation, bioavailability, and insolubility of different drugs or natural compounds. Niosomes can be very efficient potential systems for the specific delivery of anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial molecules. This review aims to present an overview of their composition, the most common formulation techniques, as well as of recent utilizations as delivery systems in cancer therapy.

Liquid Phase Graphene Exfoliation with a Vibration-Based Acoustofluidic Effector

Liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) has emerged as a promising method for the industrial-scale production of graphene. However, one of its critical steps, namely sonication, has faced challenges due to high power consumption and low efficiency, leading to limited applicability in industrial settings. This study introduces a novel, cost-effective microfluidic sonication device designed to significantly reduce power consumption while efficiently assisting the LPE process for graphene production. By coupling a capillary with a buzzer and applying an appropriate electric signal, simulation and particle tracing experiments reveal the generation of robust shear forces resulting from acoustic streaming and cavitation when the capillary end is immersed in the liquid. For the first time, the capillary-based sonication device was effectively utilized for graphene exfoliation in a DMF (N,N-Dimethylformamide) + NaOH liquid phase system. The SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and Raman characterization results corroborate the successful exfoliation of 100 nm with thicknesses below 10 nm graphene sheets from graphite flakes using this pioneering device. The values of I2D/IG increase after processing, which suggests the exfoliation of graphite flakes into thinner graphene sheets. The vibration-based acoustofluidic effector represents a versatile and scalable miniature device, capable of being employed individually for small-batch production, thereby optimizing the utilization of raw 2D materials, particularly in experimental scenarios. Alternatively, it holds the potential for large-scale manufacturing through extensive parallelization, offering distinct advantages in terms of cost-efficiency and minimal power consumption.

Active micromixer platform based on Lorentz force for lab-on-a-chip application

Mixing in an active micromixer was achieved using Lorentz force-assisted actuation of an enameled copper wire. A single-step template-assisted soft lithography technique was used to construct the mixing chamber. The chamber had a volume of 1.86 µl. The application of a square wave alternating current in tandem with tension in the wire provided the necessary conditions for the resonant oscillation frequency of the wire. The repeatability of the ratio of higher harmonics to the fundamental frequencies of the oscillating wire conforms to standardization of the device fabrication, assembly, and functionality. Simulations and experiments were performed to validate uniform temperature distribution in the mixing chamber. Real-time optical detection of the sample assisted in sensing the completion of chemical reactions in the chamber. Mixing of various aqueous based chemical reactions was performed. It was found that mixing efficiency was greater than 95 percent. Multiple devices were fabricated to show the usability and reproducibility of the system.