The Influence of Microchannel Structure on the Quality and Collagen Regeneration Promoting Effect of Astragaloside/ PCL Microspheres: A Numerical Simulation Assisted Experimental Study

ABSTRACT Microfluidic technology holds significant potential for preparing drug‐loaded microspheres, yet systematic research on optimizing microchannel structures for better microsphere performance and efficacy remains scarce. This study systematically compared the effects of Y‐shaped and Cross‐shaped microchannels on Astragaloside/PCL microspheres through numerical simulation and experimental validation. Simulations employed Ansys Fluent to analyze fluid dynamics characteristics. Experimental analyses included particle size distribution via ImageJ, microstructure via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cumulative drug release via HPLC‐ELSD. In vivo pharmacology experiments evaluated inflammation and collagen regeneration using HE and Masson staining. Simulation results showed Cross‐shaped microchannels produce a more stable, uniform flow field, aiding formation of microspheres with consistent size and regular morphology. Experiments confirmed these microspheres had higher surface roundness, more uniform particle size, higher encapsulation efficiency, and prolonged release. In vivo studies further verified their superior biocompatibility and tissue regeneration. Results showed high consistency with simulations. In summary, this study successfully synthesized high‐performance AS/PCL microspheres through the integration of numerical simulation and experimental research. Importantly, it revealed and validated the intrinsic logical relationship between “microchannel structure ‐ flow field characteristics ‐ microsphere quality ‐ drug efficacy”, providing a new research paradigm and technical pathway for developing rationally designed, high‐performance drug delivery systems.