Issue 13, 2017

Progress of crystallization in microfluidic devices

Abstract

Microfluidic technology provides a unique environment for the investigation of crystallization processes at the nano or meso scale. The convenient operation and precise control of process parameters, at these scales of operation enabled by microfluidic devices, are attracting significant and increasing attention in the field of crystallization. In this paper, developments and applications of microfluidics in crystallization research including: crystal nucleation and growth, polymorph and cocrystal screening, preparation of nanocrystals, solubility and metastable zone determination, are summarized and discussed. The materials used in the construction and the structure of these microfluidic devices are also summarized and methods for measuring and modelling crystal nucleation and growth process as well as the enabling analytical methods are also briefly introduced. The low material consumption, high efficiency and precision of microfluidic crystallizations are of particular significance for active pharmaceutical ingredients, proteins, fine chemicals, and nanocrystals. Therefore, it is increasingly adopted as a mainstream technology in crystallization research and development.

Graphical abstract: Progress of crystallization in microfluidic devices

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
29 sen 2016
Accepted
23 may 2017
First published
26 may 2017

Lab Chip, 2017,17, 2167-2185

Progress of crystallization in microfluidic devices

H. Shi, Y. Xiao, S. Ferguson, X. Huang, N. Wang and H. Hao, Lab Chip, 2017, 17, 2167 DOI: 10.1039/C6LC01225F

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