Abstract
Coaxial electrospray is an electrohydrodynamic process that produces multilayer microparticles and nanoparticles by introducing coaxial electrified jets. In comparison with other microencapsulation/nanoencapsulation processes, coaxial electrospray has several potential advantages such as high encapsulation efficiency, effective protection of bioactivity and uniform size distribution. However, process control in coaxial electrospray is challenged by the multiphysical nature of the process and the complex interplay of multiple design, process and material parameters. This paper reviews the previous works and the recent advances in design, modeling and control of a coaxial electrospray process. The review intends to provide general guidance for coaxial electrospray and stimulate further research and development interests in this promising microencapsulation/nanoencapsulation process.
Acknowledgements
Fruitful discussions with Fang Li and insightful guidance from Cynthia Roberts are greatly appreciated.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors are grateful for the support of the following agencies: National Cancer Institute (grant no: R21CA15977 to RX Xu), Ohio Lion’s Eye Research Foundation (Fellowship support to L Zhang), and Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 11002139 to T Si). The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.