Microfluidic Fabrication of Polymeric and Biohybrid Fibers with Predesigned Size and ShapeDarryl A. Boyd 1, Andre A. Adams 1, Michael A. Daniele 1, Frances S. Ligler 1,2
1Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, 2Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Two adjacent fluids passing through a grooved microfluidic channel can be directed to form a sheath around a prepolymer core; thereby determining both shape and cross-section. Photoinitiated polymerization, such as thiol click chemistry, is well suited for rapidly solidifying the core fluid into a microfiber with predetermined size and shape.