Titanium Phosphate Glass Microspheres as Microcarriers for In Vitro Bone Cell Tissue Engineering - Biointerfaces: Where Material Meets Biology - page 113

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Figure 5.1 Schematic of flame spheroidisation set-up.

4. A metal screw connected to the axle of the motor serves as an off-set
to generate vibration when the motor is in operation so that the
particle feed for microsphere production is evenly distributed over
the surface of the trough before the particles enter the flame. The output
power from the programmable power supply may be varied during op-
eration so as to obtain optimum particle distribution in the trough.
5. The collectors consist of four rectangular glass boxes with dimensions
of 275 mm 150 mm 60 mm placed with their longer edges in contact
with each other. The first collector is placed directly below the flame so
as to collect particles that do not pass through the flame.

.

5.2.6 Preparation of Glass Microspheres
1. Place the glass microparticles to be spheroidised on the aluminium
trough at the end away from the flame.

TIP: Prior to operation, examine the different components of the ap-
paratus from appropriate positions to ensure proper alignment of (1) the
trough end with the flame and (2) the flame with the collectors. This is
important to ensure maximum possible microsphere recovery from the
process.

2. Switch on the blow torch and then switch on the power supply to the
motor.
3. Monitor the particles as they travel down the trough. If required, a
micro spatula can be used to aid distribution of particles over the
trough surface before they fall into the flame, travel along the flame
axis and then fall into one of the collectors.