Microfluidic Reactors for Polymer Particles

The manipulation of fluids in channels with dimensions in the range from tens to hundreds of micrometers – microfluidics – has recently emerged as a new field of science and technology. Microfluidics has applications spanning analytical chemistry, organic and inorganic synthesis, cell biology, optics and information technology. One particularly promising application is the microfluidic synthesis of polymer particles with precisely controlled dimensions, and a variety of shapes, morphologies and compositions.

Written as a comprehensive introduction for scientists and engineers working in microfabrication and microfluidics, Microfluidic Reactors for Polymer Particles covers topics such as:

• Applications and methods of generation of polymer particles
• Physics of microfluidic emulsification
• Formation of droplets in microfluidic systems
• High-throughput microfluidic systems for formation of droplets
• Microfluidic production of polymer particles and hydrogel particles
• Polymer capsules
• Synthesis of polymer particles with non-conventional shapes

This book is intended for a broad audience, including students, researchers and engineers in industry, with interests in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering or biotechnology.