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Zhu Z, Chen T, Huang F, Wang S, Zhu P, Xu RX, Si T. Free-Boundary Microfluidic Platform for Advanced Materials Manufacturing and Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2304840. [PMID: 37722080 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics, with its remarkable capacity to manipulate fluids and droplets at the microscale, has emerged as a powerful platform in numerous fields. In contrast to conventional closed microchannel microfluidic systems, free-boundary microfluidic manufacturing (FBMM) processes continuous precursor fluids into jets or droplets in a relatively spacious environment. FBMM is highly regarded for its superior flexibility, stability, economy, usability, and versatility in the manufacturing of advanced materials and architectures. In this review, a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in FBMM is provided, encompassing technical principles, advanced material manufacturing, and their applications. FBMM is categorized based on the foundational mechanisms, primarily comprising hydrodynamics, interface effects, acoustics, and electrohydrodynamic. The processes and mechanisms of fluid manipulation are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, the manufacturing of advanced materials in various dimensions ranging from zero-dimensional to three-dimensional, as well as their diverse applications in material science, biomedical engineering, and engineering are presented. Finally, current progress is summarized and future challenges are prospected. Overall, this review highlights the significant potential of FBMM as a powerful tool for advanced materials manufacturing and its wide-ranging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Zhu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Tianao Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Fangsheng Huang
- Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Pingan Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Ronald X Xu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Ting Si
- Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
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Liang S, Yang J, Li F, Xie S, Song N, Hu L. Recent progress in liquid metal printing and its applications. RSC Adv 2023; 13:26650-26662. [PMID: 37681047 PMCID: PMC10481125 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04356h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper focuses on the latest research printing technology and broad application for flexible liquid metal (LM) materials. Through the newest template printing method, centrifugal force assisted method, pen lithography technology, and laser method, the precision of liquid metal printing on the devices was improved to 10 nm. The development of novel liquid metal inks, such as PVA-LM ink and ethanol/PDMS/LM double emulsion ink, have further enhanced the recovery, rapid printing, high conductivity, and strain resistance. At the same time, liquid metals also show promise in the application of biochemical sensors, photocatalysts, composite materials, driving machines, and electrode materials. Liquid metals have been applied to biomedical, pressure/gas, and electrochemical sensors. The sensitivity, biostability, and electrochemical performance of these LM sensors were improved rapidly. They could continue to be used in healthy respiratory, heartbeat monitoring, and dopamine detection. Meanwhile, the applications of liquid metal droplets in catalytic-assisted MoS2 deposition, catalytic growth of two-dimensional (2D) lamellar, catalytic free radical polymerization, catalytic hydrogen absorption/dehydrogenation, photo/electrocatalysis, and other fields were also summarized. Through improving liquid metal composites, magnetic, thermal, electrical, and tensile enhancement alloys, and shape memory alloys with excellent properties could also be prepared. Finally, the applications of liquid metal in micro-motors, intelligent robot feet, nanorobots, self-actuation, and electrode materials were also summarized. This paper comprehensively summarizes the practical application of liquid metals in different fields, which helps understand LMs development trends, and lays a foundation for subsequent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Liang
- College of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Environmental Materials & Remediation Technologies, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences Chongqing 402160 PR China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Textile and Flexible Interconnection of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou 310018 China
| | - Jie Yang
- College of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Environmental Materials & Remediation Technologies, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences Chongqing 402160 PR China
| | - Fengjiao Li
- Shenzhen Automotive Research Institute, Beijing Institute of Technology Shenzhen 518118 PR China
| | - Shunbi Xie
- College of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Environmental Materials & Remediation Technologies, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences Chongqing 402160 PR China
| | - Na Song
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing Municipal Chinese Medicine Hospital Chongqing 400021 China
| | - Liang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University Beijing 100083 PR China
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Long F, Guo Y, Zhang Z, Wang J, Ren Y, Cheng Y, Xu G. Recent Progress of Droplet Microfluidic Emulsification Based Synthesis of Functional Microparticles. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2023; 7:2300063. [PMID: 37745820 PMCID: PMC10517312 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202300063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable control function over the functional material formation process enabled by droplet microfluidic emulsification approaches can lead to the efficient and one-step encapsulation of active substances in microparticles, with the microparticle characteristics well regulated. In comparison to the conventional fabrication methods, droplet microfluidic technology can not only construct microparticles with various shapes, but also provide excellent templates, which enrich and expand the application fields of microparticles. For instance, intersection with disciplines in pharmacy, life sciences, and others, modifying the structure of microspheres and appending functional materials can be completed in the preparation of microparticles. The as-prepared polymer particles have great potential in a wide range of applications for chemical analysis, heavy metal adsorption, and detection. This review systematically introduces the devices and basic principles of particle preparation using droplet microfluidic technology and discusses the research of functional microparticle formation with high monodispersity, involving a plethora of types including spherical, nonspherical, and Janus type, as well as core-shell, hole-shell, and controllable multicompartment particles. Moreover, this review paper also exhibits a critical analysis of the current status and existing challenges, and outlook of the future development in the emerging fields has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Long
- Department of MechanicalMaterials and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049P. R. China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing MaterialsNingbo Institute of Materials Technology and EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesNingbo315201P. R. China
- Research Group for Fluids and Thermal EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation InstituteNingbo315040P. R. China
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Department of MechanicalMaterials and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Research Group for Fluids and Thermal EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- Department of MechanicalMaterials and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Research Group for Fluids and Thermal EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation InstituteNingbo315040P. R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation InstituteNingbo315040P. R. China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
| | - Yong Ren
- Department of MechanicalMaterials and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Research Group for Fluids and Thermal EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation InstituteNingbo315040P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carbonaceous Wastes Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang ProvinceUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
| | - Yuchuan Cheng
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049P. R. China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing MaterialsNingbo Institute of Materials Technology and EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesNingbo315201P. R. China
| | - Gaojie Xu
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049P. R. China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing MaterialsNingbo Institute of Materials Technology and EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesNingbo315201P. R. China
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Wang Y, Li J, Sun L, Chen H, Ye F, Zhao Y, Shang L. Liquid Metal Droplets-Based Elastomers from Electric Toothbrush-Inspired Revolving Microfluidics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211731. [PMID: 36881673 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metal (LM)-based elastomers have a demonstrated value in flexible electronics. Attempts in this area include the development of multifunctional LM-based elastomers with controllable morphology, superior mechanical performances, and great stability. Herein, inspired by the working principle of electric toothbrushes, a revolving microfluidic system is presented for the generation of LM droplets and construction of desired elastomers. The system involves revolving modules assembled by a needles array and 3D microfluidic channels. LM droplets can be generated with controllable size in a high-throughput manner due to the revolving motion-derived drag force. It is demonstrated that by employing a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix as the collection phase, the generated LM droplets can act as conductive fillers for the construction of flexible electronics directly. The resultant LM droplets-based elastomers exhibit high mechanical strength, stable electrical performance, as well as superior self-healing property benefiting from the dynamic exchangeable urea bond of the polymer matrix. Notably, due to the flexible programmable feature of the LM droplets embedded within the elastomers, various patterned LM droplets-based elastomers can be easily achieved. These results indicate that the proposed microfluidic LM droplets-based elastomers have a great potential for promoting the development of flexible electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jinbo Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Hanxu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325001, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325001, China
| | - Luoran Shang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Huang B, Xie H, Li Z. Microfluidic Methods for Generation of Submicron Droplets: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:638. [PMID: 36985045 PMCID: PMC10056697 DOI: 10.3390/mi14030638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Submicron droplets are ubiquitous in nature and widely applied in fields such as biomedical diagnosis and therapy, oil recovery and energy conversion, among others. The submicron droplets are kinetically stable, their submicron size endows them with good mobility in highly constricted pathways, and the high surface-to-volume ratio allows effective loading of chemical components at the interface and good heat transfer performance. Conventional generation technology of submicron droplets in bulk involves high energy input, or relies on chemical energy released from the system. Microfluidic methods are widely used to generate highly monodispersed micron-sized or bigger droplets, while downsizing to the order of 100 nm was thought to be challenging because of sophisticated nanofabrication. In this review, we summarize the microfluidic methods that are promising for the generation of submicron droplets, with an emphasize on the device fabrication, operational condition, and resultant droplet size. Microfluidics offer a relatively energy-efficient and versatile tool for the generation of highly monodisperse submicron droplets.
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Liu Z, Zhang C, Zhao S, Pang Y, Wang X. Breakup dynamics and scaling laws of liquid metal droplets formed in a cross junction. J IND ENG CHEM 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Wang L, Lai R, Zhang L, Zeng M, Fu L. Emerging Liquid Metal Biomaterials: From Design to Application. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201956. [PMID: 35545821 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metals (LMs) as emerging biomaterials possess unique advantages including their favorable biosafety, high fluidity, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivities, thus providing a unique platform for a wide range of biomedical applications ranging from drug delivery, tumor therapy, and bioimaging to biosensors. The structural design and functionalization of LMs endow them with enhanced functions such as enhanced targeting ability and stimuli responsiveness, enabling them to achieve better and even multifunctional synergistic therapeutic effects. Herein, the advantages of LMs in biomedicine are presented. The design of LM-based biomaterials with different scales ranging from micro-/nanoscale to macroscale and various components is explored in-depth to promote the understanding of structure-property relationships, guiding their performance optimization and applications. Furthermore, the related advanced progress in the development of LM-based biomaterials in biomedicine is summarized. Current challenges and prospects of LMs in the biomedical field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Runze Lai
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lichen Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Mengqi Zeng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lei Fu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 410013, China
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Guo W, Tao Y, Liu W, Song C, Zhou J, Jiang H, Ren Y. A visual portable microfluidic experimental device with multiple electric field regulation functions. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1556-1564. [PMID: 35352749 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00152g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
High portability and miniaturization are two of the most important objectives pursued by microfluidic methods. However, there remain many challenges for the design of portable and visual microfluidic devices (e.g., electrokinetic experiments) due to the use of a microscope and power supply. To this end, we report a visual portable microfluidic experimental device (PMED) with multiple electric field regulation functions, which can realize the electric field regulation functions of various basic microfluidic experiments through modular design. The internal reaction process of the microfluidic chip is displayed by a smartphone, and the experimental results are analyzed using a mobile phone application (APP). Taking the induced-charge electroosmosis (ICEO) particle focusing phenomenon as an example, we carried out detailed experiments on PMED and obtained conclusions consistent with numerical simulations. In addition to ICEO experiments, other functions such as alternating electroosmosis (ACEO), thermal buoyancy convection, and dielectrophoresis (DEP) can be realized by replacing module-specific covers. The device expands the application of microfluidic experiments and provides a certain reference for the further integration and portability of subsequent microfluidic experiment devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, West Da-zhi Street 92, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ye Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, West Da-zhi Street 92, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, People's Republic of China.
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Department of Physics Harvard University, 9 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Weiyu Liu
- Chang'an University, Middle-Section of Nan'er Huan Road, Xi'an 710000, China
| | - Chunlei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, West Da-zhi Street 92, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, West Da-zhi Street 92, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongyuan Jiang
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, West Da-zhi Street 92, Harbin 150001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yukun Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, West Da-zhi Street 92, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, People's Republic of China.
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