Honeycomb Structures: Facile Synthesis of Biomimetic Honeycomb Material with Biological Functionality (Small 4/2013)

A straightforward microfluidic approach to the synthesis of a honeycomb structure based on the synergistic effects of rapid polymer precipitation, double-emulsion templating, and internal effervescent salt decomposition is described by J. H. Qin and co-workers on page 497. The delicate honeycomb structure exhibits unique characteristics, with an external nanopore membrane and multiple internal cavities. The biological functionality of the artificial structure is also explored, to test its use as a microcarrier for cell cultures or drug release, indicating this structure's potential for biomedical applications.