ABSTRACT
A microfluidics approach to synthesize core-shell nanocarriers with high pH tunability is described. The sacrificial shell protects the core layer with the drugs and prevents their release in the severe pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, while allowing for drug release in the proximity of a tumor. The proposed nanoparticulate drug-delivery system is designed for the oral administration of cancer therapeutics.
Subject(s)
Microfluidics , Colonic Neoplasms , Drug Carriers , Drug Delivery Systems , Drug Liberation , Humans , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , NanoparticlesABSTRACT
Polyelectrolyte-coated magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by decorating the surface of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with crosslinked chitosan oligopolysaccharide (CS). These positively charged particles (CS-SPIONs) were then added to a negatively charged polymer (Nafion), and cast into membranes under an applied magnetic field. TEM and SAXS measurements confirmed this process created aligned, cylindrical nanodomains in the membranes. This was also indirectly confirmed by proton conductivity values. The strong electrostatic interaction between chitosan and Nafion prevented oxygen permeability and water evaporation at elevated temperatures through the proton conductive channels. The resultant proton exchange membranes showed lower conduction dependency to relative humidity, which is highly desirable for hydrogen fuel cells. The fuel cell performance tests were performed on the designed polyelectrolyte membrane by hydrogen-oxygen single cells at elevated temperature (120 °C) and low relative humidity.
Subject(s)
Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry , Chitosan/chemistry , Dextrans/chemistry , Electric Power Supplies , Electrodes , Electrolytes/chemistry , Fluorocarbon Polymers/chemistry , Humidity , Hydrogen/chemistry , Ions/chemistry , Membranes, Artificial , Oxygen/chemistry , Protons , Static Electricity , TemperatureABSTRACT
We present a microfluidic platform for the synthesis of monodisperse chitosan based nanoparticles via self-assembly at physiological pH. The resultant nanoparticles are shown to encapsulate hydrophobic anticancer drugs while providing a sustainable release profile with high tunability.
Subject(s)
Chitosan/chemistry , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Microfluidic Analytical Techniques/methods , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/chemistry , Drug Carriers/chemical synthesis , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions , Microfluidic Analytical Techniques/instrumentation , Paclitaxel/chemistry , Particle SizeABSTRACT
At nanoscale length scales, the properties of particles change rapidly with the slightest change in dimension. The use of a microfluidic platform enables precise control of sub-100 nm organic nanoparticles (NPs) based on polybenzimidazole. Using hydrodynamic flow focusing, we can control the size and shape of the NPs, which in turn controls a number of particle material properties. The anhydrous proton-conducting nature of the prepared NPs allowed us to make a high-performance ion exchange membrane for fuel cell applications, and microfluidic tuning of the NPs allowed us subsequently to tune the fuel cell performance.
