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Abstract: In this review, we aim at establishing a relationship between the fundamentals of the microfluidics technologies used in the Pharmacy field, and the achievements accomplished by those technologies. We describe the main methods for manufacturing micrometer drops, bubbles, and capsules, as well as the corresponding underlying physical mechanisms. In this regard, the review is intended to show non-specialist readers the dynamical processes which determine the success of microfluidics techniques. Flow focusing (FF) is a droplet-based method widely used to produce different types of fluid entities on a continuous basis by applying an extensional co-flow. We take this technique as an example to illustrate how microfluidics technologies for drug delivery are progressing from a deep understanding of the physics of fluids involved. Specifically, we describe the limitations of FF, and review novel methods which enhance its stability and robustness. In the last part of this paper, we review some of the accomplishments of microfluidics when it comes to drug manufacturing and delivery. Special attention is paid to the production of the microencapsulated form because this fluidic structure gathers the main functionalities sought for in Pharmacy. We also show how FF has been adapted to satisfy an ample variety of pharmaceutical requirements to date. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present work, two methods for the preparation of lidocaine-loaded PLGA microparticles are compared. The differences between the polymeric particles obtained by solvent evaporation (SEVM) or flow focusing (FF) were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and surface thermodynamics determinations. A detailed investigation of the capabilities of the polymer particles to load this drug is described. The physical state of the drug in the polymeric particles and the existence of interactions between both entities were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The main factors determining the lidocaine incorporation and the release kinetics were the synthesis procedure followed, the amount of drug dissolved in the organic phase during the synthesis routine, the type of polymer (molecular weight and end chemical groups) and the size and the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of the particles. The FF technology allowed higher drug incorporations and slower release kinetics. The release studies showed a biphasic profile probably due to diffusion-cum-degradation mediated processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]