Multiphasic Particles via Wettability Templated Self-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing processes face challenges in producing uniformly sized micro- and nanoparticles with precise control over geometry and composition, particularly in creating monodisperse, multiphasic particles that can self-assemble in a preprogrammed manner for applications like drug delivery and biological sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving wettability engendered template self-assembly (WETS) is used, where a template with distinct wettable and non-wettable regions is employed to form multiphasic particles by sequentially depositing liquid compositions, allowing for the creation of particles with controlled size, shape, and composition through the formation of solid or semi-solid layers that can be released from the template.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional manufacturing processes are used to produce micro- and nanoparticles, then production can be achieved, but uniform size distribution and precise geometric control are difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: template preparation with patterned wettable regions, sequential deposition of liquid compositions, drying to form solid layers, and release. This segmentation allows precise control at each stage, achieving uniform particle size and geometric precision while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular process steps
Solution Approach 2:
A template with patterned wettable regions acts as an intermediary structure during particle fabrication. The template mediates the self-assembly process by providing defined regions where liquid compositions deposit and dry into solid layers. After fabrication, the template is released, leaving precisely controlled multiphasic particles. This intermediary enables geometric control without requiring complex direct manufacturing equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If fabricated particles are made isotropic with uniform material distribution, then manufacturing is simpler, but preprogrammed self-assembly capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The template is designed with spatially varying wettable regions, creating local differences in surface properties. When liquid compositions are deposited, they selectively wet specific regions based on their local affinity, forming multiphasic particles with anisotropic material distribution. This local quality variation enables preprogrammed self-assembly behavior while maintaining a relatively simple overall fabrication process
Solution Approach 2:
The template structure with patterned wettable regions is prepared in advance before particle fabrication. This preliminary action preprograms the spatial distribution of materials within particles, ensuring that when liquid compositions are deposited and dried, they automatically form the desired anisotropic structure capable of preprogrammed self-assembly, eliminating the need for complex post-processing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the fabrication of monodisperse, multiphasic particles with precise control over geometry and composition, facilitating their use in various applications such as drug delivery and biological sensors by allowing for the assembly of particles with desired structures and properties.
Implementation Method 1
The template surface defines a first region having a first receding contact angle of less than or equal to about 5° for polar and non-polar liquids and a second region having a second receding contact angle of greater than or equal to about 10° for polar or non-polar liquids. The first liquid composition thus remains in the first region
Implementation Method 2
wettability engendered template self-assembly (WETS) techniques
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for forming multiphasic microparticles by using wettability engendered template self-assembly (WETS) techniques are provided. A template is used that defines wettable regions to polar and non-polar liquids and non-wettable regions to polar and non-polar liquids. A first liquid is applied to the template and forms a solid or semi-solid release layer. A second liquid is applied over the release layer to form a solid or semi-solid first layer and a third liquid is applied over the first layer to form a solid or semi-solid second layer. The first layer and the second layer can be released from the template by removing the release layer from the template with a treatment agent to form multiphasic microparticles. Methods for making the templates and multiphasic micro particles are also provided.