Functional PMMA microparticles with a very narrow size distribution were synthesized by photoinitiated RAFT dispersion in aqueous ethanol using an acrylic acid oligo copolymer as a macro-RAFT agent.
Accurate control of particle size at relatively narrow polydispersity remains key challenge in the production of synthetic polymer particles at scale. A cross-flow membrane emulsification technique was utilized here in the preparation of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) Microsphere to demonstrate its application for such a manufacturing challenge.
Applications of PMMA microparticles
The range of uses for polymeric microspheres continues to cultivate across a wide scope of technology areas. In numerous cases, particles with inhibited size characteristics are required. For uses such as particle sizing standards this is self-evident, but it has also long been a requirement for chromatography applications where the particles act as the absorbent stationary phase as well as variations in surface area affects the retention.
Over the last few decades, polymer microspheres have found escalating use in biomedical applications. The integration of pharmaceutical actives inert carrier particles is frequently described as a route for novel drug delivery materials; as well as the link between drug availability and particle size is now well established, offering further impetus for managing particles sizes precisely.
Passage into and through the body is also known to be dependent on particle size, for instance inhaler applications have a very tight particle size requirement. Finally, we conclude that there is an ever-growing interest in micro-particles for use in medical imaging uses, where again good size control is a key prerequisite. If you are in search of high-quality PMMA microparticles for your research needs, consider buying from Alpha Nanotech.
Comments