Preparation of nanoparticles by continuous-flow microfluidics

Jahn, Andreas (National Institute of Standards and Technology); Reiner, Joseph E.; Vreeland, Wyatt N.; DeVoe, Don L.; Locascio, Laurie E.; Gaitan, Michael

Source: Journal of Nanoparticle Research, v 10, n 6, August, 2008, p 925-934

ISSN: 1388-0764

Publisher: Kluwer Academic Publishers 

Abstract: We review a variety of micro- and nanoparticle formulations produced with microfluidic methods. A diverse variety of approaches to generate microscale and nanoscale particles has been reported. Here we emphasize the use of microfluidics, specifically microfluidic systems that operate in a continuous flow mode, thereby allowing continuous generation of desired particle formulations. The generation of semiconductor quantum dots, metal colloids, emulsions, and liposomes is considered. To emphasize the potential benefits of the continuous-flow microfluidic methodology for nanoparticle generation, preliminary data on the size distribution of liposomes formed using the microfluidic approach is compared to the traditional bulk alcohol injection method. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. (64 refs.)

terms: Fluidics - Colloids - Liposomes - Microfluidics - Nanofluidics - Nanoparticles - Nanostructured materials - Nanostructures - Phospholipids - Quantum electronics - Semiconductor quantum dots - Size distribution - Sugar (sucrose)