Microfluidic Manufacture of Composite Fibres for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Fibrous materials are fundamental building blocks found ubiquitously throughout nature. In order to replicate and harness the unique properties of natural fibres, microfluidic technologies have been employed and refined to allow for a precise control over the mechanical properties, diameter, alignment, and morphology of spun fibres. To further their versatility and adaptability, and to better mimic their natural counterparts, microfluidics technologies have also allowed for the integration of multiple materials and functional components at the microscale giving rise to composite fibres. These fibres, composed of a combination of different materials, offer a wide range of properties and functionalities that surpass those of their individual components and can be tailored to specific applications. This review discusses various microfluidic fabrication methods, including co-flow, multi-channel, and emulsion-based microfluidics, highlighting their advantages and limitations. The review also compares natural and synthetic polymers employed in microfluidic fibre manufacture and examines the influence of process parameters on the properties of composite fibres, such as mechanical strength, porosity, and biocompatibility and discusses the incorporation of nanoparticles, biomolecules, and microstructures within the fibres to tailor their functionalities for specific biomedical applications. Finally, the paper provides an outline of current trends as well as future directions for the field.

Keywords: Microfluidics, Composites, Biopolymers, Biofabrication