Synthesis of Monodisperse PEG Hydrogel Microball Using a Droplet Microfluidic Chip and Its Size Control

The monodisperse PEG hydrogel microballs were prepared by droplet microfluidic chip. First, monodisperse microdroplets of PEG hydrogel were successfully prepared in the microfluidic flow focusing chip. Then, the microdroplets of PEG hydrogel were cured by UV irradiation in situ. Various experimental conditions pertaining to the concentration of PEG hydrogel solution and surfactant, flow rates of continuous phases were investigated. The prepared PEG hydrogel microballs were nearly monosized with a diameter of 115 μm under optimal conditions.