High throughput miniaturization of artificial cells

摘要

In this study, inkjet bio-printing has been used to produce miniaturized alginate microcapsules. A parametric study using subsequent Taguchi L 18 (3 1 × 2 7) and L 16 (4 5) designs was performed to elucidate the effect of inkjet parameters on microcapsule size. A 120-minute pilot run using the optimal waveform parameters and 0.5% alginate ink yielded a throughput of 1.8×10 6 microcapsules/hr, averaging 40 μm in diameter. Real-time stable jetting conditions were confirmed visually by the generation of a single droplet with a straight trajectory and non-fluctuating Ohnesorge numbers. The rate of stirring of the cross-linking CaCl 2 solution determined scaffold vs. single vesicle formation.