Size control of shape switchable micronetworks by fast two-step microfluidic templating
- Shape-memory polymer micronetworks (MN) are micrometer-sized objects that can switch their outer shape upon external command.This study aims to scale MN sizes to the low micrometer range at very narrow size distributions. In a two-step microfluidic strategy, the specific design of coaxial class capillary devices allowed stabilizing the thread of the dispersed phase to efficiently produce precursor particles in the tip-streaming regime at rates up to similar to 170 kHz and final sizes down to 4 mu m. In a subsequent melt-based microfluidic photocrosslinking of the methacrylate-functionalized oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) precursor material, MN could be produced without particle aggregation. A comprehensive analysis of MN properties illustrated successful crosslinking, semi-crystalline morphology, and a shape-switching functionality for all investigated MN sizes (4, 6, 9, 12, 22 mu m). Such functional micronetworks tailored to and below the dimension of cells can enable future applications in technology and medicine like controlling cellShape-memory polymer micronetworks (MN) are micrometer-sized objects that can switch their outer shape upon external command.This study aims to scale MN sizes to the low micrometer range at very narrow size distributions. In a two-step microfluidic strategy, the specific design of coaxial class capillary devices allowed stabilizing the thread of the dispersed phase to efficiently produce precursor particles in the tip-streaming regime at rates up to similar to 170 kHz and final sizes down to 4 mu m. In a subsequent melt-based microfluidic photocrosslinking of the methacrylate-functionalized oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) precursor material, MN could be produced without particle aggregation. A comprehensive analysis of MN properties illustrated successful crosslinking, semi-crystalline morphology, and a shape-switching functionality for all investigated MN sizes (4, 6, 9, 12, 22 mu m). Such functional micronetworks tailored to and below the dimension of cells can enable future applications in technology and medicine like controlling cell interaction.…
| Author details: | Fabian FriessGND, Andreas LendleinORCiDGND, Christian WischkeORCiDGND |
|---|---|
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1557/s43578-021-00295-2 |
| ISSN: | 0884-2914 |
| ISSN: | 2044-5326 |
| Title of parent work (English): | Journal of materials research |
| Publisher: | Springer |
| Place of publishing: | Berlin |
| Publication type: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Date of first publication: | 2021/08/17 |
| Publication year: | 2021 |
| Release date: | 2023/11/27 |
| Volume: | 36 |
| Issue: | 16 |
| Number of pages: | 10 |
| First page: | 3248 |
| Last Page: | 3257 |
| Funding institution: | Projekt DEAL |
| Organizational units: | Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät / Institut für Chemie |
| DDC classification: | 5 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik / 54 Chemie / 540 Chemie und zugeordnete Wissenschaften |
| Peer review: | Referiert |
| License (German): |  CC-BY - Namensnennung 4.0 International |
