title: Functionalized core-shell hydrogel microsprings by anisotropic gelation with bevel-tip capillary.
abstract: This study describes a novel microfluidic-based method for the synthesis of hydrogel microsprings that are capable of encapsulating various functional materials. A continuous flow of alginate pre-gel solution can spontaneously form a hydrogel microspring by anisotropic gelation around the bevel-tip of the capillary. This technique allows fabrication of hydrogel microsprings using only simple capillaries and syringe pumps, while their complex compartmentalization characterized by a laminar flow inside the capillary can contribute to the optimization of the microspring internal structure and functionality. Encapsulation of several functional materials including magnetic-responsive nanoparticles or cell dispersed collagen for tissue scaffold was demonstrated to functionalize the microsprings. Our core-shell hydrogel microsprings have immense potential for application in a number of fields, including biological/chemical microsensors, biocompatible soft robots/microactuators, drug release, self-assembly of 3D structures and tissue engineering.
authors.affiliation: Center for Multidisciplinary and Design Science, Graduate School of Integrated Design Engineering, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
authors.forename: Koki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.affiliation: Center for Multidisciplinary and Design Science, Graduate School of Integrated Design Engineering, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Onoe