We present a novel method for the direct, centrifugally induced fabrication of small alginate beads displaying adjustable diameters between 180 μm and 800 μm by polymer-tube micronozzles. The size distribution features a CV of 7 – 16 % for the main peak. Up to 600 beads per second and channel are issued from the micronozzle through an air gap towards a standard lab tube (“Eppi”) attached to the rotor spinning and containing a curing agent. At spinning frequencies between 5 Hz and 28 Hz, the tubes align horizontally under rotation and return to a vertical position as soon as the rotor is at rest. The hardened beads are collected within the tube for further processing or characterization. This method is considered as a low cost technology for micro encapsulation technologies.
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