Formation of biodegradable microcapsules utilizing 3D, selectively surface-modified PDMS microfluidic devices.

We have successfully demonstrated the formation of biodegradable microcapsules utilizing PDMS double-emulsification devices. Specially designed 3D PDMS microchannels with surfaces selectively modified by a self-aligned photografting process are employed to generate monodisperse water-in-organic-solvent-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions in a controlled manner. Mainly by varying the outer and inner fluid flow-rates, the dimensions of resulting double emulsions can be adjusted as desired.

Bacteriology of chronic sinusitis in relation to middle meatal secretion.

Background: The bacteriology of chronic sinusitis has been studied widely, but some factors may affect the results, such as sample sources and sampling techniques. However, whether the presence of secretion in the middle meatus affects the culture result has been studied rarely.

Methods: When patients with chronic sinusitis underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery, swab specimens were taken from the ipsilateral middle meatuses and ethmoid sinuses under endoscopic guidance.