Chem
Volume 7, Issue 1, 14 January 2021, Pages 93-136
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Review
Anisotropic Microparticles from Microfluidics

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The Bigger Picture

Anisotropic microparticles, which assume different properties depending on their direction, have become a research hotspot because subtle changes in particle anisotropy can create surprising effects. Benefiting from their anisotropic nature, these microparticles are capable of breaking through the limitation of general isotropic particles and combining diverse functions within a single particle entity, thereby adding significant value in an extremely wide range of areas including display, sensing, drug delivery, and cell culture. The emerging microfluidic technique offers a powerful platform for the controllable synthesis of anisotropic microparticles with excellent mono-dispersity and intricate morphology, facilitating the development of anisotropic microparticles in various areas. In this review, the basic principle of the microfluidic technique is briefly introduced, followed by the emphasis on the fabrication and application of anisotropic microparticles from microfluidics. In addition, perspectives on the future development and challenges associated with the fabrication of anisotropic microparticles through microfluidics are presented in terms of different applications.

Summary

Anisotropic microparticles have attracted extensive scientific interest in recent years due to their special morphology, complex components, and ability to incorporate diverse functions within a single entity. The microfluidic technique with its property of precise flow control in fluids has opened intriguing avenues for fabricating anisotropic microparticles with excellent mono-dispersity and uniformity. Herein, an overall review on anisotropic microparticles from microfluidics is presented, covering a variety of topics ranging from their fabrication approaches to applications. First, the formation approaches of templates for particle generation in the microfluidics system are briefly introduced. Then, the fabrication of anisotropic microparticles from microfluidics is emphasized. Following these two opening sections, concerns are focused on the applications of the anisotropic particles in a variety of fields, including display, sensing, drug delivery, cell culture, and so on. Last but not least, perspectives on the future development of the anisotropic microparticles from microfluidics and general conclusion on the current status are presented.

Keywords

anisotropic
microparticles
microfluidics
emulsion
colloidal crystal
hydrogel

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