Optically Controlled Dissolution Kinetics of Vaterite Microcapsules: Toward Novel Crystal Growth Strategies

Abstract

Controllable continuous release of functional materials from capsules is one of the unmet functions of theragnosis particles; on this way, understanding cargo−fluid interactions in vitro is an essential milestone. We develop a flexible platform to investigate single particle−fluid interactions utilizing a glass micropipette as a highly localized flow source around an optically trapped particle. In proof-of-concept experiments, this microparticle is sensitive to local microflow distribution, thus serving as a probe. The very same flows are capable of the particle rotating (i.e., vaterite drug cargo) at frequencies dependent on the mutual particle−pipette position. Platform flexibility comes from different interactions of a tweezer (optical forces) and a pipette (mechanical/hydrodynamical) with a microparticle, which makes this arrangement an ideal microtool. We studied the vaterite dissolution kinetics and demonstrated that it can be controlled on demand, providing a wide cargo release dynamic rate. Our results promote the use of inorganic mesoporous nanoparticles as a nanomedicine platform.

Gilded Vaterite Optothermal Transport in a Bubble

“…CaCO 3 has three crystalline formsvaterite, calcite, and aragonite 13 . Vaterite undergoes a phase transition upon an interaction with a solvent and can dissociate or become calcite, e.g., 14 . In both of those scenarios, functional materials, stored in the pores, will be released.…”