Regular‐sized cell creation in microchannel emulsification by visual microprocessing method

TLDR

The study introduces a novel emulsification method to produce monodispersed regular‑sized cells. The method employs a silicon microchannel fabricated by semiconductor technology to permeate an internal phase into a continuous phase, using hydrophilic or hydrophobic channels with appropriate surfactants or silane‑modified glass plates, and is monitored by a microscope video system. The technique yielded regular‑sized water‑in‑oil cells and, in a water/triolein‑lecithin system, produced polygonal or fibrous cells that contact neighbors across a thin oil layer, suggesting tissue‑like behavior and underscoring the need for careful selection of organic phase, surfactant, and electrolyte. This method offers potential for creating artificial biological cells.

Abstract

Abstract A novel emulsification method was developed for making monodispersed regular‐sized cells. Both oil in water (O/W) and water in oil (W/O) emulsion cells were generated by permeating an internal phase into a continuous phase through a silicon microchannel, which was designed and prepared by using semiconductor technology. The microprocessing of O/W (or W/O) emulsion cells was monitored and controlled with a microscope video system. Regular‐sized O/W cells were made by a normal hydrophilic microchannel and a glass plate with use of an appropriate surfactant. On the other hand, W/O emulsion cells were made by a hydrophobic microchannel and a glass plate modified with a silane coupler reagent. Regular‐sized W/O cells were also obtained; therefore, a suitable combination of organic phase, surfactant, and electrolyte should be carefully selected. There is a possibility for creating artificial biological cells with this method. In the water/triolein and lecithin system, when the amount of oil was decreased on the permeate side, polygon or fiber cell types were created, and each cell contacted its neighbors across a thin oil layer like a biological tissue.