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Dynamic manipulation of droplets using mechanically tunable microtextured chemical gradients

Author

Listed:
  • Ali J. Mazaltarim

    (University of Nebraska – Lincoln)

  • John J. Bowen

    (University of Nebraska – Lincoln)

  • Jay M. Taylor

    (University of Nebraska – Lincoln)

  • Stephen A. Morin

    (University of Nebraska – Lincoln
    Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
    University of Nebraska – Lincoln)

Abstract

Materials and strategies applicable to the dynamic transport of microdroplets are relevant to surface fluidics, self-cleaning materials, thermal management systems, and analytical devices. Techniques based on electrowetting, topographic micropatterns, and thermal/chemical gradients have advanced considerably, but dynamic microdroplet transport remains a challenge. This manuscript reports the fabrication of mechano-tunable, microtextured chemical gradients on elastomer films and their use in controlled microdroplet transport. Specifically, discreet mechanical deformations of these films enabled dynamic tuning of the microtextures and thus transport along surface-chemical gradients. The interplay between the driving force of the chemical gradient and the microtopography was characterized, facilitating accurate prediction of the conditions (droplet radius and roughness) which supported transport. In this work, the use of microtextured surface chemical gradients in mechano-adaptive materials with microdroplet manipulation functionality was highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • Ali J. Mazaltarim & John J. Bowen & Jay M. Taylor & Stephen A. Morin, 2021. "Dynamic manipulation of droplets using mechanically tunable microtextured chemical gradients," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-23383-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23383-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Bradley D. Frank & Saveh Djalali & Agata W. Baryzewska & Paolo Giusto & Peter H. Seeberger & Lukas Zeininger, 2022. "Reversible morphology-resolved chemotactic actuation and motion of Janus emulsion droplets," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Agustin D. Pizarro & Claudio L. A. Berli & Galo J. A. A. Soler-Illia & Martín G. Bellino, 2022. "Droplets in underlying chemical communication recreate cell interaction behaviors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.

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