Continuous and controllable production of nanoparticles for drug delivery applications using microfluidic nanoprecipitation systems

The microfluidic technique has brought unique opportunities toward the full control over the production processes for drug delivery carriers, owing to the miniaturisation of the fluidic environment. Microfluidic system provides several advantages over the conventional batch methods, such as the improved controllability of material characteristics, as well as the precisely controlled release profiles of payloads. Using novel and versatile microfluidic devices we can monitor the nanoprecipitation process through controlling the way the solvent and non-solvent phases are mixed. In comparison to the conventional batch processes, controlling the nanoprecipitation process in the microfluidic system provides a range of advantages, including reducing the size, improving the monodispersity, encapsulation efficiency, save time, cost and material, and ensuring the continuous production. Importantly, this process in the microfluidic system is numerously adapted to use biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid, alginate and chitosan, along with efficient encapsulation and release of hydrophilic and hydrophobic anticancer and protein drugs, or also active pharmaceutical ingredients. Moreover, because the process can be adapted with a wide range of materials, a wide variety of nanoparticles such as amorphous, crystalline, polymer, Janus, core-shell nanoparticles can be produced. Overall, the microfluidic technology in controlled drug delivery applications brings exciting opportunities to expand the body of knowledge in the field and advance to the clinical translation of drug delivery systems.

Keywords:

Drug delivery systems , Drug-loaded nanoparticles , Nanoprecipitation process , Microfluidic technology