Anisotropic particles with non-spherical shape and distinct compartments are currently under development for a broad range of emerging applications, because of their promising benefits for drug delivery carrier, molecular imaging, optical device, and self-assembly. We have previously developed electrohydrodynamic (EHD) co-jetting as an effective method to fabricate multicompartmental anisotropic particles. Here, we introduce shape-shifting process that can further control the shape of particles using ultrasound. Multicompartmental poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microcylinders produced from EHD co-jetting were treated with ultrasound in water, and when the particle temperature increased above their Tg they were converted into spheres due to surface effect. Moreover, we incorporated polymers with different properties such as poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(vinyl cinnamate). Shape-shifting of such particles resulted in various shapes, which, in turn, can affect future applications such as particle degradation, functionality, flow properties, and targeted efficiency of biomolecules.

Shape-shifting of anisotropic microcylinders

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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