la5b02099_si_001.pdf (1.46 MB)
Flow-Based Assembly of Layer-by-Layer Capsules through Tangential Flow Filtration
journal contribution
posted on 2015-08-25, 00:00 authored by Mattias Björnmalm, Ali Roozmand, Ka Fung Noi, Junling Guo, Jiwei Cui, Joseph J. Richardson, Frank CarusoLayer-by-layer (LbL) assembly on
nano- and microparticles is of
interest for a range of applications, including catalysis, optics,
sensors, and drug delivery. One current limitation is the standard
use of manual, centrifugation-based (pellet/resuspension) methods
to perform the layering steps, which can make scalable, highly controllable,
and automatable production difficult to achieve. Here, we develop
a fully flow-based technique using tangential flow filtration (TFF)
for LbL assembly on particles. We demonstrate that multilayered particles
and capsules with different sizes (from micrometers to submicrometers
in diameter) can be assembled on different templates (e.g., silica
and calcium carbonate) using several polymers (e.g., poly(allylamine
hydrochloride), poly(styrenesulfonate), and poly(diallyldimethylammonium
chloride)). The full system only contains fluidic components routinely
used (and automated) in industry, such as pumps, tanks, valves, and
tubing in addition to the TFF filter modules. Using the TFF LbL system,
we also demonstrate the centrifugation-free assembly, including core
dissolution, of drug-loaded capsules. The well-controlled, integrated,
and automatable nature of the TFF LbL system provides scientific,
engineering, and practical processing benefits, making it valuable
for research environments and potentially useful for translating LbL
assembled particles into diverse applications.