Microfluidic mixing system for precise PLGA-PEG nanoparticles size control

In this study, a microfluidic device was employed to produce polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with well-controlled sizes. The influence of several parameters in the synthesis process, namely, polymer concentration, flow rate and flow rate ratio between the aqueous and organic solutions was investigated. To evaluate the NPs size effect, three diameters were selected (30, 50 and 70 nm). Their cytocompatibility was demonstrated on endothelial cells and macrophages. Additionally, their efficacy to act as drug carriers was assessed in an in vitro inflammatory scenario. NPs loaded and released diclofenac (DCF) in a size-dependent profile (smaller sizes presented lower DCF content and higher release rate). Moreover, 30 nm NPs were the most effective in reducing prostaglandin E2 concentration. Therefore, this study demonstrates that microfluidics can generate stable NPs with controlled sizes, high monodispersity and enhanced batch-to-batch reproducibility. Indeed, NPs size is a crucial parameter for drug encapsulation, release and overall biological efficacy. Microfluidics technology has been widely investigated in the field of nanotechnology due to its potential for the precise control of size and shape, resulting in reproducible and homogeneous nanoparticles (NPs) suspensions. In this study, a micromixer chip was employed to produce poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) NPs (PLGA-PEG NPs). First, we evaluated the influence of several parameters, namely, polymer concentration, flow rate and flow rate ratio on the features of the resulting NPs. Afterwards, NPs of 30, 50 and 70 nm were selected and loaded with diclofenac and their efficacy was evaluated in an in-vitro inflammatory scenario using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. [Display omitted]