Impact of Particle Softness on Segregation of Binary Colloidal Suspensions Flowing in a Microchannel

Abstract

In order to realize drug delivery systems, deeper understanding of the relationship between the position of colloidal particles, fl owing in a microchannel, and particle characteristics, such as size and softness, is crucial. However, the in fl uence of the softness of the particles on the fl owing position ( or segregation ) in colloidal mixtures containing polymeric microspheres is still not clear. In this study, we investigated the particle position of binary mixtures in microchannels, observed by an optical microscope equipped with a high - speed camera, and clari fi ed the e ff ect of microgel softness on the segregation. These fi ndings help designing carrier microspheres, for some applications, including drug delivery systems and as arti fi cial blood cells.