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3D-printed machines that manipulate microscopic objects using capillary forces

Author

Listed:
  • Cheng Zeng

    (Harvard University)

  • Maya Winters Faaborg

    (Harvard University)

  • Ahmed Sherif

    (Harvard University)

  • Martin J. Falk

    (University of Chicago)

  • Rozhin Hajian

    (Harvard University
    University of Massachusetts Lowell)

  • Ming Xiao

    (Harvard University
    Sichuan University)

  • Kara Hartig

    (Harvard University)

  • Yohai Bar-Sinai

    (Harvard University
    Tel Aviv University
    Tel Aviv University)

  • Michael P. Brenner

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University)

  • Vinothan N. Manoharan

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University)

Abstract

Objects that deform a liquid interface are subject to capillary forces, which can be harnessed to assemble the objects1–4. Once assembled, such structures are generally static. Here we dynamically modulate these forces to move objects in programmable two-dimensional patterns. We 3D-print devices containing channels that trap floating objects using repulsive capillary forces5,6, then move these devices vertically in a water bath. Because the channel cross-sections vary with height, the trapped objects can be steered in two dimensions. The device and interface therefore constitute a simple machine that converts vertical to lateral motion. We design machines that translate, rotate and separate multiple floating objects and that do work on submerged objects through cyclic vertical motion. We combine these elementary machines to make centimetre-scale compound machines that braid micrometre-scale filaments into prescribed topologies, including non-repeating braids. Capillary machines are distinct from mechanical, optical or fluidic micromanipulators in that a meniscus links the object to the machine. Therefore, the channel shapes need only be controlled on the scale of the capillary length (a few millimetres), even when the objects are microscopic. Consequently, such machines can be built quickly and inexpensively. This approach could be used to manipulate micrometre-scale particles or to braid microwires for high-frequency electronics.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng Zeng & Maya Winters Faaborg & Ahmed Sherif & Martin J. Falk & Rozhin Hajian & Ming Xiao & Kara Hartig & Yohai Bar-Sinai & Michael P. Brenner & Vinothan N. Manoharan, 2022. "3D-printed machines that manipulate microscopic objects using capillary forces," Nature, Nature, vol. 611(7934), pages 68-73, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:611:y:2022:i:7934:d:10.1038_s41586-022-05234-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05234-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Alireza Hooshanginejad & Jack-William Barotta & Victoria Spradlin & Giuseppe Pucci & Robert Hunt & Daniel M. Harris, 2024. "Interactions and pattern formation in a macroscopic magnetocapillary SALR system of mermaid cereal," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Ying Hong & Shiyuan Liu & Xiaodan Yang & Wang Hong & Yao Shan & Biao Wang & Zhuomin Zhang & Xiaodong Yan & Weikang Lin & Xuemu Li & Zehua Peng & Xiaote Xu & Zhengbao Yang, 2024. "A bioinspired surface tension-driven route toward programmed cellular ceramics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.

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