Organic Delivery Vehicles for Probing and Treating Biological Systems:Adapting Fabrication Processes from theElectronics Industry for Use in Nano-Medicine

摘要

Recently, we have reported a new particle fabrication techniquecalled Particle Replication In Non-wetting Templates (PRINT) (Figure1), which is used to create monodisperse, shape-specific particles withexceptional control over particle composition and cargo./ UsingPRINT, functional organic particles are fabricated using a wide varietyof materials, including poly(L-lactic acid), poly(ethylene glycol), or atriacrylate resin. These particles can be used for a wide variety ofapplications, from drug delivery systems to liquid crystal displays, withtotal control over structure and function. In the PRINT process, aphotocurable perfluoropolyether (PFPE) precursor is cast against thepatterned master to make an elastomeric polymer mold. The PFPEmold is brought into contact with a liquid precursor on a non-wettingsubstrate and pressure is applied to create a seal between the moldand the substrate. The monomer precursor is polymerized, andmonodisperse, shape-specific polymer particles are obtained. Incomparison to conventional methods, the inherent uniformity andflexibility of PRINT should prove to be beneficial in designingbiocompatible polymer particles for improved drug delivery.