Formation of liposomes using a 3D flow focusing microfluidic device with spatially patterned wettability by corona discharge

Abstract

We fabricated phospholipid liposomes from double emulsion templates produced in a microfluidic 3D flow focusing PDMS droplet generator. We combined the easing of wetting criteria due to 3D flow focusing geometry with a highly effective hydrophilic surface modification by corona discharge for a spatially patterned droplet generator, allowing the reliable generation of double emulsions in water and oleic acid without added surfactants. By controlling the Capillary numbers of the immiscible flows, we defined regions for the stable generation of double emulsions which were transformed into liposomes after solvent extraction.