Tri-Needle Coaxial Electrospray Engineering of Magnetic Polymer Yolk–Shell Particles Possessing Dual-Imaging Modality, Multiagent Compartments, and Trigger Release Potential

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Particulate platforms capable of delivering multiple actives while providing diagnostic features have gained considerable interest over the last few years. In this study, magnetic polymer yolkshell particles (YSPs) were engineered using a tri-needle coaxial electrospraying technique enabling dual-mode (ultrasonic and magnetic resonance) imaging capability with specific multidrug compartments via an advanced single-step encapsulation process. YSPs comprised magnetic Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (MNPs) embedded in the polymeric shell, an interfacing oil layer and a polymeric core (i.e. composite shell-oil interface-polymeric core). Ultrasound backscatter signal frequency was modulated through YSP loading dosage, and both T 1 and T 2 weighted MRI signal intensities were shown to reduce with increasing MNP content (YSP outer shell). Three fluorescent dyes (selected as model probes with varying hydrophobicities) were co-encapsulated separately to confirm YSP structure. Probe release profiles were tuned by varying power or frequency of an external auxillary magnetic field (AMF, 0.7 mT (LAMF) or 1.4 mT (HAMF)).In addition, an "inversion" phenomenon for AMF-enhanced drug release process was captured and is reported. Low YSP cytotoxicity (5mg/ml) and biocompatibility (murine, L929) was confirmed. In summary, magnetic YSPs demonstrate timely potential as multifunctional theranostic agents for dual-imaging modality and magnetically controlled co-active delivery.

Fabrication of Polymeric Microparticles by Electrospray: The Impact of Experimental Parameters

“…The tri-axial ES technique (TES) as demonstrated in Figure 3c uses three needles: an external, central and internal needle. This technique has also recently been employed for the design of multilayer particles for the fabrication of magnetic polymer yolk-shell particles (YSPs) using a single-step coaxial three-needle TES technique [53]. The YSPs allowed for the hosting of multiple probes (as chemical modeling agents) for dual-mode imaging (magnetic and ultrasonic resonance imaging) with specific multi-drug compartments through an advanced single stage encapsulation process.…”

Immediate release of helicid from nanoparticles produced by modified coaxial electrospraying

“…Hence, the EHDA working fluids can be divided into different classes: those which cannot be processed due to clogging of the spinneret (resulting from an extremely higher concentration), electrospinnable (often within a suitable concentration range), unspinnable but solidifiable (solid particles), and unsolidifiable (no solid product) when extremely dilute solutions are used [20,21]. In the simplest monoaxial EHDA process, the active ingredients can be encapsulated directly into polymers and also inorganic materials in one step [22,23]. In multiple-liquid EHDA processes, which are employed to create complex nanostructures, the possibilities are further expanded.…”

Sustained release paclitaxel-loaded core-shell-structured solid lipid microparticles for intraperitoneal chemotherapy of ovarian cancer

“…By controlling the morphology and the thickness of the core-shell structure, it is feasible to achieve controlled drug release and enhance the cellular and tissue uptake [29,30]. Previous reports also suggest the encapsulation of more than one cargo for the applications of combinatory drug delivery and multimodal imaging [31,32]. Scalable production of drug-laden microparticles can also be achieved by using a multiplexed needle assembly [33].…”