Massively parallel production of lipid microstructures

Abstract

In this paper we describe a simple and inexpensive microfluidic system for the production of lipid tubules and vesicles. The system incorporates a central microporous membrane for interfacing lipid films with aqueous flows. Hydrodynamic drag was used for the parallel elongation of high axial ratio lipid tubules with uniform 1.5 ± 0.5 μm diameters. Alternatively, electrokinetic operation was used for the rapid and continuous production of vast numbers of lipid vesicles with diameters ranging from 1 to 3 μm.