Micro- and nanoparticles via capillary flows

This review surveys some capillary flows capable of stretching fluid interfaces down to the micrometric dimension and below. These types of flows have become the basis for attractive techniques to produce monodisperse micro- and nanoparticles with either simple or core-shell structure (micro- and nanocapsules, coaxial nanofibers, and hollow nanofibers). These techniques enable precise control on the particle mean size. We also review the basic physics of the flow and the dimensionless parameters that govern these capillary flows. Some examples of the types of particles produced by a few devices are also presented.