Project number
25016
Organization
BD (Becton Dickinson)
Offering
ENGR498-F2024-S2025
Many modern medical devices, such as indwelling catheters, incorporate drug-eluting coatings to prevent potentially life-threatening complications. Controlled drug release from PLGA microparticles enables prolonged therapeutic effects. This reduces the need for frequent and persisting interventions. In this project, the team aimed to optimize the microparticle fabrication process by analyzing key processing parameters and their influence on particle morphology – the study of particles’ shape, size and surface characteristics – and drug encapsulation efficiency.
The team chose a fabrication design that uses a microfluidic double T-junction system to precisely control emulsion droplet formation while a syringe pump delivers active and continuous phases at optimized flow rates. This produces microparticles ranging in size from 5 to 50 μm. After production, the team
implemented various drying techniques, including lyophilization, to enhance particle smoothness and consistency.
Once the fabrication process was complete, the team used scanning electron microscopy for microparticle characterization to validate morphology and uniformity. By refining the process parameters, such as solvent selection and stir rates, the team established a reliable method for producing high-quality drug-loaded microparticles. These findings are a critical step toward advancing medical technology and improving patient outcomes.
The team chose a fabrication design that uses a microfluidic double T-junction system to precisely control emulsion droplet formation while a syringe pump delivers active and continuous phases at optimized flow rates. This produces microparticles ranging in size from 5 to 50 μm. After production, the team
implemented various drying techniques, including lyophilization, to enhance particle smoothness and consistency.
Once the fabrication process was complete, the team used scanning electron microscopy for microparticle characterization to validate morphology and uniformity. By refining the process parameters, such as solvent selection and stir rates, the team established a reliable method for producing high-quality drug-loaded microparticles. These findings are a critical step toward advancing medical technology and improving patient outcomes.