Preparation of Alginate Microfibers for Cell Entrapment Using a Microfluidic Device

This paper describes a method for the production of multi-compartmental alginate microfibers using a glass microfluidic device. The key parameters, which critically influence the formation of microfibers and their geometries, were identified and their interplay was investigated with a statistical approach by means of a “design of the experiments” optimization and screening. Finally, the processes impact on cell viability was considered. It is here demonstrated that this development provides a controllable approach for the production of alginate microfibers with controlled shape and content, which could be further developed for scaling up and working towards FDA approval.