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Printed polymer platform empowering machine-assisted chemical synthesis in stacked droplets

Author

Listed:
  • Yingxue Sun

    (Sichuan University)

  • Yuanyi Zhao

    (Sichuan University)

  • Xinjian Xie

    (Sichuan University)

  • Hongjiao Li

    (Sichuan University)

  • Wenqian Feng

    (Sichuan University
    Sichuan University)

Abstract

Efficiently exploring organic molecules through multi-step processes demands a transition from conventional laboratory synthesis to automated systems. Existing platforms for machine-assistant synthetic workflows compatible with multiple liquid-phases require substantial engineering investments for setup, thereby hindering quick customization and throughput increasement. Here we present a droplet-based chip that facilitates the self-organization of various liquid phases into stacked layers for conducting chemical transformations. The chip’s precision polymer printing capability, enabled by digital micromirror device (DMD)-maskless photolithography and dual post-chemical modifications, allows it to create customized, sub-10 µm featured patterns to confine diverse liquids, regardless of density, within each droplet. The robustness and open design of surface-templated liquid layers actualize machine-assistant droplet manipulation, synchronous reaction triggering, local oscillation, and real-time monitoring of individual layers into a reality. We propose that, with further integration of machine operation line and self-learning, this droplet-based platform holds the potential to become a valuable addition to the toolkit of chemistry process, operating autonomously and with high-throughput.

Suggested Citation

  • Yingxue Sun & Yuanyi Zhao & Xinjian Xie & Hongjiao Li & Wenqian Feng, 2024. "Printed polymer platform empowering machine-assisted chemical synthesis in stacked droplets," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-50768-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50768-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Olgierd Cybulski & Miroslaw Dygas & Barbara Mikulak-Klucznik & Marta Siek & Tomasz Klucznik & Seong Yeol Choi & Robert J. Mitchell & Yaroslav I. Sobolev & Bartosz A. Grzybowski, 2020. "Concentric liquid reactors for chemical synthesis and separation," Nature, Nature, vol. 586(7827), pages 57-63, October.
    2. Nathan J. Gesmundo & Bérengère Sauvagnat & Patrick J. Curran & Matthew P. Richards & Christine L. Andrews & Peter J. Dandliker & Tim Cernak, 2018. "Nanoscale synthesis and affinity ranking," Nature, Nature, vol. 557(7704), pages 228-232, May.
    3. Katharine Sanderson, 2019. "Automation: Chemistry shoots for the Moon," Nature, Nature, vol. 568(7753), pages 577-579, April.
    4. Ratul Paul & Yuwen Zhao & Declan Coster & Xiaochen Qin & Khayrul Islam & Yue Wu & Yaling Liu, 2023. "Rapid prototyping of high-resolution large format microfluidic device through maskless image guided in-situ photopolymerization," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-14, December.
    5. Sourav Chatterjee & Mara Guidi & Peter H. Seeberger & Kerry Gilmore, 2020. "Automated radial synthesis of organic molecules," Nature, Nature, vol. 579(7799), pages 379-384, March.
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