Microfluidic Production of Micro‐ and Nanoparticles

Polymeric micro- and nanoparticles have attracted a wide attention of researchers in various areas such as drug delivery, sensing, imaging, cosmetics, diagnostics, and biotechnology. However, processes with conventional equipment do not always allow a precise control of their morphology, size, size distribution, and composition. On the other hand, microreaction technology offers an improved control on the hydrodynamics, mass, and heat transfer, allowing the production of polymeric particles with better defined or new characteristics. Thus new horizons in polymer particle engineering arise from the use of microstructured or microfluidic devices. This article gives an insight into the latest developments and trends in the production of polymeric micro- and nanoparticles using microreaction technology directly from either monomers or polymer solutions. Keywords: microfluidics; microreactors; polymer nanoparticles; droplets; capsules; emulsification; electrospraying; nanoprecipitation