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Reconfigurable droplet networks

Author

Listed:
  • Shuyi Sun

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Shuailong Li

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Weixiao Feng

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Jiaqiu Luo

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Thomas P. Russell

    (University of Massachusetts
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Shaowei Shi

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

Abstract

Droplet networks stabilized by lipid interfacial bilayers or colloidal particles have been extensively investigated in recent years and are of great interest for compartmentalized reactions and biological functions. However, current design strategies are disadvantaged by complex preparations and limited droplet size. Here, by using the assembly and jamming of cucurbit[8]uril surfactants at the oil-water interface, we show a novel means of preparing droplet networks that are multi-responsive, reconfigurable, and internally connected over macroscopic distances. Openings between the droplets enable the exchange of matter, affording a platform for chemical reactions and material synthesis. Our work requires only a manual compression to construct complex patterns of droplet networks, underscoring the simplicity of this strategy and the range of potential applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuyi Sun & Shuailong Li & Weixiao Feng & Jiaqiu Luo & Thomas P. Russell & Shaowei Shi, 2024. "Reconfigurable droplet networks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-45214-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45214-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yu Zheng & Ziyi Yu & Richard M. Parker & Yuchao Wu & Chris Abell & Oren A. Scherman, 2014. "Interfacial assembly of dendritic microcapsules with host–guest chemistry," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Yujia Zhang & Jorin Riexinger & Xingyun Yang & Ellina Mikhailova & Yongcheng Jin & Linna Zhou & Hagan Bayley, 2023. "A microscale soft ionic power source modulates neuronal network activity," Nature, Nature, vol. 620(7976), pages 1001-1006, August.
    3. Zhijie Yang & Jingjing Wei & Yaroslav I. Sobolev & Bartosz A. Grzybowski, 2018. "Systems of mechanized and reactive droplets powered by multi-responsive surfactants," Nature, Nature, vol. 553(7688), pages 313-318, January.
    4. Feng Tian & Dezhi Jiao & Frank Biedermann & Oren A. Scherman, 2012. "Orthogonal switching of a single supramolecular complex," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 3(1), pages 1-8, January.
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