A simple microfluidic tool to design anisotropic microgels

Many different techniques have been reported for the generation of monodisperse microgels, however, control over shape and material composition without overcomplicating set-up remains difficult. While some batch processing can produce high resolution complex shapes, they offer less flexibility. Microfluidic techniques, on contrary, are ideal tools generating droplets as precursors soft microbeads. Unfortunately, microfluidic not yet utilized to their full potential, commonly spherical consisting one only. Here, we combine aqueous-phase-separation with microfluidics generate double emulsions. Depending materials used, microgels having either asymmetry in or obtained. We show versatility this design biocompatible microparticles two more immiscible, aqueous solutions which at least is polymerizable give a detailed description how make these including crucial handling steps.