Open aerosol microfluidics enable orthogonal compartmentalized functionalization of hydrogel particles

Abstract

Compartmentalized hydrogel microparticles are promising for applications in chemical, biological, and biomedical fields, owing to their customizability. However, simultaneous tailoring of the functionalities in both internal and surface compartments remains challenging. Here, an open aerosol microfluidic (OAMF) approach is reported to fabricate compartmentalized hydrogel particles, achieving orthogonal (independent and non-interfering) control over both internal and surface functionalization. The OAMF method utilizes microfluidic networks for shaping internal compartment layouts and employs reactive aerosols for precise surface engineering. As a proof of concept, particles featuring intricate internal and surface designs were created. In addition, the broad material versatility of particle customization is demonstrated by different hydrogels. Finally, potential applications of particles were explored as novel cell carriers. As exemplars, patterned cell cultures can be established both on the surface and inside of the particles. The proposed approach enables flexible design of engineered particles, advancing tissue engineering, drug screening, and cell therapeutic applications.