Rapid formation of anisotropic non-spherical hydrogel microparticles with complex structures using a tabletop centrifuge-based microfluidic device

We report an easy-to-use and versatile method for the synthesis of anisotropic non-spherical hydrogel microparticles with a various complex structures (e.g., two thirds of a sphere, triple-bladed turbines, etc.). The complex non-spherical microparticles were produced by partly dissolving specific parts of anisotropic spherical microparticles like colorful beach balls. Our method needs a tabletop mini centrifuge and common experimental supplies such as microtubes, glass capillaries, etc. and requires only 20 minutes for the whole process. This method will be useful for wide range of microparticle-based technologies such as self-assembled smart materials, drug delivery, and smart micro-machines, etc.