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van Kesteren S, Diethelm P, Jung SH, Isa L. DNA-Based Replication of Programmable Colloidal Assemblies. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2400180. [PMID: 38693098 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Nature uses replication to amplify the information necessary for the intricate structures vital for life. Despite some successes with pure nucleotide structures, constructing synthetic microscale systems capable of replication remains largely out of reach. Here, a functioning strategy is shown for the replication of microscale particle assemblies using DNA-coated colloids. By positioning DNA-functionalized colloids using capillary forces and embedding them into a polymer layer, programmable sequences of patchy particles are created that act as a primer and offer precise binding of complementary particles from suspension. The strings of complementary colloids are cross-linked, released from the primer, and purified via flow cytometric sorting to achieve a purity of up to 81% of the replicated sequences. The replication of strings of up to five colloids and non-linear shapes is demonstrated with particles of different sizes and materials. Furthermore, a pathway for exponential self-replication is outlined, including preliminary data that shows the transfer of patches and binding of a second-generation of assemblies from suspension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven van Kesteren
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Diethelm
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Se-Hyeong Jung
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Lucio Isa
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
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2
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Hauser AW, Zhou Q, Chaikin PM, Sacanna S. Light-Triggered Inflation of Microdroplets. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2024; 36:3970-3975. [PMID: 38681086 PMCID: PMC11044266 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.4c00732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Driven systems composed largely of droplets and fuel make up a significant portion of microbiological function. At the micrometer scale, fully synthetic systems that perform an array of tasks within a uniform bulk are much more rare. In this work, we introduce an innovative design for solid-in-oil composite microdroplets. These microdroplets are engineered to nucleate an internal phase, undergo inflation, and eventually burst, all powered by a steady and uniform energy input. We show that by altering the background input, volumetric change and burst time can be tuned. When the inflated droplets release the inner contents, colloidal particles are shown to transiently attract to the release point. Lastly, we show that the system has the ability to perform multiple inflation-burst cycles. We anticipate that our conceptual design of internally powered microdroplets will catalyze further research into autonomous systems capable of intricate communication as well as inspire the development of advanced, responsive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W. Hauser
- Department
of Chemistry, New York University, 29 Washington Place, New York, New York 10003, United States
- Center
for Soft Matter Research, Department of Physics, New York University, 726 Broadway Avenue, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Qintian Zhou
- Department
of Chemistry, New York University, 29 Washington Place, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Paul M. Chaikin
- Center
for Soft Matter Research, Department of Physics, New York University, 726 Broadway Avenue, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Stefano Sacanna
- Department
of Chemistry, New York University, 29 Washington Place, New York, New York 10003, United States
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3
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van Kesteren S, Diethelm P, Isa L. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for purifying colloidal clusters. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:2881-2886. [PMID: 38477048 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00122b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Colloidal particles are considered to be essential building blocks for creating innovative self-assembled and active materials, for which complexity beyond that of compositionally uniform particles is key. However, synthesizing complex, multi-material colloids remains a challenge, often resulting in heterogeneous populations that require post-synthesis purification. Leveraging advances brought forward in the purification of biological samples, here we apply fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to sort colloidal clusters synthesized through capillary assembly. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of FACS in sorting clusters based on size, shape, and composition. Notably, we achieve a sorting purity of up to 97% for clusters composed of up to 9 particles, albeit observing a decline in purity with increasing cluster size. Additionally, dimers of different colloids can be purified to over 97%, while linear and triangular trimers can be separated with up to 88% purity. This work underscores the potential of FACS as a promising and little-used tool in colloidal science to support the development of increasingly more intricate particle-based building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven van Kesteren
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, ETH Zurich, Vladmir-Prelog-Weg 1-5, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland.
| | - Pascal Diethelm
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, ETH Zurich, Vladmir-Prelog-Weg 1-5, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland.
| | - Lucio Isa
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, ETH Zurich, Vladmir-Prelog-Weg 1-5, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland.
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4
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Abstract
Active colloids use energy input at the particle level to propel persistent motion and direct dynamic assemblies. We consider three types of colloids animated by chemical reactions, time-varying magnetic fields, and electric currents. For each type, we review the basic propulsion mechanisms at the particle level and discuss their consequences for collective behaviors in particle ensembles. These microscopic systems provide useful experimental models of nonequilibrium many-body physics in which dissipative currents break time-reversal symmetry. Freed from the constraints of thermodynamic equilibrium, active colloids assemble to form materials that move, reconfigure, heal, and adapt. Colloidal machines based on engineered particles and their assemblies provide a basis for mobile robots with increasing levels of autonomy. This review provides a conceptual framework for understanding and applying active colloids to create material systems that mimic the functions of living matter. We highlight opportunities for chemical engineers to contribute to this growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J M Bishop
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA;
| | - Sibani Lisa Biswal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bhuvnesh Bharti
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
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5
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Wittmann R, Monderkamp PA, Löwen H. Statistics of carrier-cargo complexes. Phys Rev E 2023; 107:064602. [PMID: 37464670 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.107.064602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
We explore the statistics of assembling soft-matter building blocks to investigate the uptake and encapsulation of cargo particles by carriers engulfing their load. While the such carrier-cargo complexes are important for many applications out of equilibrium, such as drug delivery and synthetic cell encapsulation, we uncover here the basic statistical physics in minimal hard-core-like models for particle uptake. Introducing an exactly solvable equilibrium model in one dimension, we demonstrate that the formation of carrier-cargo complexes can be largely tuned by both the cargo concentration and the carriers' interior size. These findings are intuitively explained by interpreting the internal free space (partition function) of the cargo inside a carrier as its engulfment strength, which can be mapped to an external control parameter (chemical potential) of an additional effective particle species. Assuming a hard carrier membrane, such a mapping can be exactly applied to account for multiple cargo uptake involving various carrier or cargo species and even attractive uptake mechanisms, while soft interactions require certain approximations. We further argue that the Boltzmann occupation law identified within our approach is broken when particle uptake is governed by nonequilibrium forces. Speculating on alternative occupation laws using effective parameters, we put forward a Bose-Einstein-like phase transition associated with polydisperse carrier properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Wittmann
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II: Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Paul A Monderkamp
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II: Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hartmut Löwen
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II: Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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6
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Rey M, Volpe G, Volpe G. Light, Matter, Action: Shining Light on Active Matter. ACS PHOTONICS 2023; 10:1188-1201. [PMID: 37215318 PMCID: PMC10197137 DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.3c00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Light carries energy and momentum. It can therefore alter the motion of objects on the atomic to astronomical scales. Being widely available, readily controllable, and broadly biocompatible, light is also an ideal tool to propel microscopic particles, drive them out of thermodynamic equilibrium, and make them active. Thus, light-driven particles have become a recent focus of research in the field of soft active matter. In this Perspective, we discuss recent advances in the control of soft active matter with light, which has mainly been achieved using light intensity. We also highlight some first attempts to utilize light's additional properties, such as its wavelength, polarization, and momentum. We then argue that fully exploiting light with all of its properties will play a critical role in increasing the level of control over the actuation of active matter as well as the flow of light itself through it. This enabling step will advance the design of soft active matter systems, their functionalities, and their transfer toward technological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Rey
- Physics
Department, University of Gothenburg, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Giovanni Volpe
- Physics
Department, University of Gothenburg, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Giorgio Volpe
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, WC1H 0AJ London, United Kingdom
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7
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Chen X, Chen X, Peng Y, Zhu L, Wang W. Dielectrophoretic Colloidal Levitation by Electrode Polarization in Oscillating Electric Fields. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:6932-6945. [PMID: 37148258 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Controlled colloidal levitation is key to many applications. Recently, it was discovered that polymer microspheres were levitated to a few micrometers in aqueous solutions in alternating current (AC) electric fields. A few mechanisms have been proposed to explain this AC levitation such as electrohydrodynamic flows, asymmetric rectified electric fields, and aperiodic electrodiffusiophoresis. Here, we propose an alternative mechanism based on dielectrophoresis in a spatially inhomogeneous electric field gradient extending from the electrode surface micrometers into the bulk. This field gradient is derived from electrode polarization, where counterions accumulate near electrode surfaces. A dielectric microparticle is then levitated from the electrode surface to a height where the dielectrophoretic lift balances gravity. The dielectrophoretic levitation mechanism is supported by two numerical models. One model assumes point dipoles and solves for the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations, while the second model incorporates a dielectric sphere of a realistic size and permittivity and uses the Maxwell-stress tensor formulation to solve for the electrical body force. In addition to proposing a plausible levitation mechanism, we further demonstrate that AC colloidal levitation can be used to move synthetic microswimmers to controlled heights. This study sheds light on understanding the dynamics of colloidal particles near an electrode and paves the way to using AC levitation to manipulate colloidal particles, active or passive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Chen
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yixin Peng
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lailai Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575, Singapore
| | - Wei Wang
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
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8
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Dhatt-Gauthier K, Livitz D, Wu Y, Bishop KJM. Accelerating the Design of Self-Guided Microrobots in Time-Varying Magnetic Fields. JACS AU 2023; 3:611-627. [PMID: 37006772 PMCID: PMC10052236 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Mobile robots combine sensory information with mechanical actuation to move autonomously through structured environments and perform specific tasks. The miniaturization of such robots to the size of living cells is actively pursued for applications in biomedicine, materials science, and environmental sustainability. Existing microrobots based on field-driven particles rely on knowledge of the particle position and the target destination to control particle motion through fluid environments. Often, however, these external control strategies are challenged by limited information and global actuation where a common field directs multiple robots with unknown positions. In this Perspective, we discuss how time-varying magnetic fields can be used to encode the self-guided behaviors of magnetic particles conditioned on local environmental cues. Programming these behaviors is framed as a design problem: we seek to identify the design variables (e.g., particle shape, magnetization, elasticity, stimuli-response) that achieve the desired performance in a given environment. We discuss strategies for accelerating the design process using automated experiments, computational models, statistical inference, and machine learning approaches. Based on the current understanding of field-driven particle dynamics and existing capabilities for particle fabrication and actuation, we argue that self-guided microrobots with potentially transformative capabilities are close at hand.
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9
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Zhao K, Hu M, van Baalen C, Alvarez L, Isa L. Sorting of heterogeneous colloids by AC-dielectrophoretic forces in a microfluidic chip with asymmetric orifices. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 634:921-929. [PMID: 36571855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.12.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS The synthesis of compositionally heterogeneous particles is central to the development of complex colloidal units for self-assembly and self-propulsion. Yet, as the complexity of particles grows, synthesis becomes more prone to "errors". We hypothesize that alternating-current dielectrophoretic forces can efficiently sort Janus particles, as a function of patch size and material, and colloidal dumbbells by size. EXPERIMENTS We prepared Janus particles with different patch size and material by physical vapor deposition and colloidal dumbbells via capillarity-assisted particle assembly. We then performed sorting experiments in a microfluidic chip comprising electrodes with asymmetric orifices, specifically exploiting the dielectric contrast between different portions of the particles or their size difference to steer them towards different outlets. FINDINGS We calculated that the DEP force for Janus particles may switch from positive to negative as a function of composition at a critical AC frequency, thus enabling sorting different particles crossing the electrodes' region. The predictions are confirmed by optical microscopy experiments. We also show that intact and "broken" dumbbells can be simply separated as they experience different DEP forces. The integration of multiple asymmetric orifices leads a larger zone with high field gradient to increase separation efficiency and makes it a promising tool to select precise particle populations, isolating fractions with narrowly distributed characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, Department of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, 116026 Dalian, China; Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Minghan Hu
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carolina van Baalen
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Alvarez
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucio Isa
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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10
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van Kesteren S, Shen X, Aldeghi M, Isa L. Printing on Particles: Combining Two-Photon Nanolithography and Capillary Assembly to Fabricate Multimaterial Microstructures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207101. [PMID: 36601964 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing at the micro- and nanoscale has seen a recent upsurge to suit an increasing demand for more elaborate structures. However, the integration of multiple distinct materials at small scales remains challenging. To this end, capillarity-assisted particle assembly (CAPA) and two-photon polymerization direct laser writing (2PP-DLW) are combined to realize a new class of multimaterial microstructures. 2PP-DLW and CAPA both are used to fabricate 3D templates to guide the CAPA of soft- and hard colloids, and to link well-defined arrangements of functional microparticle arrays produced by CAPA, a process that is termed "printing on particles." The printing process uses automated particle recognition algorithms to connect colloids into 1D, 2D, and 3D tailored structures, via rigid, soft, or responsive polymer links. Once printed and developed, the structures can be easily re-dispersed in water. Particle clusters and lattices of varying symmetry and composition are reported, together with thermoresponsive microactuators, and magnetically driven "micromachines", which can efficiently move, capture, and release DNA-coated particles in solution. The flexibility of this method allows the combination of a wide range of functional materials into complex structures, which will boost the realization of new systems and devices for numerous fields, including microrobotics, micromanipulation, and metamaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven van Kesteren
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Xueting Shen
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Michele Aldeghi
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Lucio Isa
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
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11
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Mu Y, Duan W, Hsu KY, Wang Z, Xu W, Wang Y. Light-Activated Colloidal Micromotors with Synthetically Tunable Shapes and Shape-Directed Propulsion. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:57113-57121. [PMID: 36512379 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c14551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Controlling the propulsion modes of colloidal micromotors, from translational to spinning and helical motion, expands the versatility of their potential applications in microrobotics and micromachinery. Engineering colloidal shapes with designed asymmetry can regulate their propulsion behaviors, yet current methods rely on complicated and costly fabrication processes such as lithography. Herein, we present a solution-based synthesis of light-activated colloidal motors adopting straight and various tunable bent geometries, which feature controlled asymmetry and allow shape-directed propulsions. The keys for our strategy are the synthesis of bent silica rods with a tailored bending position and degree, together with the site-specific installation of a photoactive engine. Upon light illumination, the resulting particles propel autonomously, whereby their shape information is translated to various propulsion modes including linear locomotion, steering, and spinning. This low-cost, scalable method for fabricating micromotors with a high degree of control of shapes could promote study in microscale actuation, in active assembly, and eventually for fabrication of colloidal functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijiang Mu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong999077, China
| | - Wendi Duan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong999077, China
| | - Ka Yuen Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong999077, China
| | - Zhisheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong999077, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong999077, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong999077, China
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12
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Abstract
In the last 20 years, active matter has been a highly dynamic field of research, bridging fundamental aspects of non-equilibrium thermodynamics with applications to biology, robotics, and nano-medicine. Active matter systems are composed of units that can harvest and harness energy and information from their environment to generate complex collective behaviours and forms of self-organisation. On Earth, gravity-driven phenomena (such as sedimentation and convection) often dominate or conceal the emergence of these dynamics, especially for soft active matter systems where typical interactions are of the order of the thermal energy. In this review, we explore the ongoing and future efforts to study active matter in space, where low-gravity and microgravity conditions can lift some of these limitations. We envision that these studies will help unify our understanding of active matter systems and, more generally, of far-from-equilibrium physics both on Earth and in space. Furthermore, they will also provide guidance on how to use, process and manufacture active materials for space exploration and colonisation.
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13
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Exploiting anisotropic particle shape to electrostatically assemble colloidal molecules with high yield and purity. J Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 629:322-333. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.08.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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14
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Al Harraq A, Bello M, Bharti B. A guide to design the trajectory of active particles: From fundamentals to applications. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2022.101612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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15
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Wang Z, Mu Y, Lyu D, Wu M, Li J, Wang Z, Wang Y. Engineering Shapes of Active Colloids for Tunable Dynamics. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2022.101608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Abstract
Recent years have seen substantial efforts aimed at constructing artificial cells from various molecular components with the aim of mimicking the processes, behaviours and architectures found in biological systems. Artificial cell development ultimately aims to produce model constructs that progress our understanding of biology, as well as forming the basis for functional bio-inspired devices that can be used in fields such as therapeutic delivery, biosensing, cell therapy and bioremediation. Typically, artificial cells rely on a bilayer membrane chassis and have fluid aqueous interiors to mimic biological cells. However, a desire to more accurately replicate the gel-like properties of intracellular and extracellular biological environments has driven increasing efforts to build cell mimics based on hydrogels. This has enabled researchers to exploit some of the unique functional properties of hydrogels that have seen them deployed in fields such as tissue engineering, biomaterials and drug delivery. In this Review, we explore how hydrogels can be leveraged in the context of artificial cell development. We also discuss how hydrogels can potentially be incorporated within the next generation of artificial cells to engineer improved biological mimics and functional microsystems.
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17
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Boymelgreen A, Schiffbauer J, Khusid B, Yossifon G. Synthetic electrically driven colloids: a platform for understanding collective behavior in soft matter. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2022.101603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Frank BD, Djalali S, Baryzewska AW, Giusto P, Seeberger PH, Zeininger L. Reversible morphology-resolved chemotactic actuation and motion of Janus emulsion droplets. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2562. [PMID: 35538083 PMCID: PMC9091213 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30229-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We report, for the first time, a chemotactic motion of emulsion droplets that can be controllably and reversibly altered. Our approach is based on using biphasic Janus emulsion droplets, where each phase responds differently to chemically induced interfacial tension gradients. By permanently breaking the symmetry of the droplets’ geometry and composition, externally evoked gradients in surfactant concentration or effectiveness induce anisotropic Marangoni-type fluid flows adjacent to each of the two different exposed interfaces. Regulation of the competitive fluid convections then enables a controllable alteration of the speed and the direction of the droplets’ chemotactic motion. Our findings provide insight into how compositional anisotropy can affect the chemotactic behavior of purely liquid-based microswimmers. This has implications for the design of smart and adaptive soft microrobots that can autonomously regulate their response to changes in their chemical environment by chemotactically moving towards or away from a certain target, such as a bacterium. Artificial microswimmers can emulate the autonomous regulation of chemotactic motility of living organisms. Frank et al. realize a chemotactic locomotion of emulsion droplets, composed of two phase-separated fluids, that can be reversibly directed up or down a chemical concentration gradient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Frank
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Saveh Djalali
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Agata W Baryzewska
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Paolo Giusto
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Peter H Seeberger
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Lukas Zeininger
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
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19
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Vialetto J, Zanini M, Isa L. Attachment and detachment of particles to and from fluid interfaces. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2021.101560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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20
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Zhao K, Wei Y, Dong J, Zhao P, Wang Y, Pan X, Wang J. Separation and characterization of microplastic and nanoplastic particles in marine environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 297:118773. [PMID: 34974085 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (<5 mm) are divided into primary and secondary microplastics, which are further degraded into nanoplastics. The microplastic particles are widely distributed in marine environment, terrestrial ecosystem and biological organism, leading to damages to whole environmental system. Microplastics are not only difficult to degrade, but also able to adsorb pollutants. Due to the tiny size and various properties, the separation and characterization of microplastic particles has become more and more challenging. This review introduces the sources and destinations of the microplastic particles and summarizes the general methods for the sorting and characterization of microplastics, especially the manipulation of microplastic particles on microfluidic chip, showing possibility to deal with smaller nanoplastic particles over traditional methods. This review focuses on studies of the size-based separation and property-dependent characterization of microplastics in marine environment by utilizing the microfluidic chip device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China; Department of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China
| | - Yunman Wei
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China; Department of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China
| | - Jianhong Dong
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China; Department of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China
| | - Penglu Zhao
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China; Department of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China
| | - Yuezhu Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China
| | - Xinxiang Pan
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China; Department of Maritime, Guangdong Ocean University, 524000, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Junsheng Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Sensing and Intelligent Detection, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China; Department of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China.
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21
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Kichatov B, Korshunov A, Sudakov V, Petrov O, Gubernov V, Korshunova E, Kolobov A, Kiverin A. Magnetic Nanomotors in Emulsions for Locomotion of Microdroplets. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:10976-10986. [PMID: 35179020 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c23910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The locomotion of droplets in emulsions is of practical significance for fields related to medicine and chemical engineering, which can be done with a magnetic field to move droplets containing magnetic materials. Here, we demonstrate a new method of droplet locomotion in the oil-in-water emulsion with the help of a nonuniform magnetic field in the case where magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are dispersed in the continuous phase of the emulsion. The paper analyses the motion of the droplets in a liquid film and in a capillary for various diameters of droplets, their number density, and viscosity of the continuous phase of the emulsion. It is established that the mechanism of droplet locomotion in the emulsion largely depends on the wettability of MNPs. Hydrophobic nanoparticles are adsorbed on the droplet surfaces, forming the agglomerates of MNPs with the droplets. Such agglomerates move at much higher velocities than passive droplets. Hydrophilic nanoparticles are not adsorbed at the surfaces of the droplets but form mobile magnetic clusters dispersed in the continuous phase of the emulsion. Mobile magnetic clusters set the surrounding liquid and droplets in motion. The results obtained in this paper can be used in drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kichatov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Korshunov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Sudakov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg Petrov
- Joint Institute for High Temperatures, Russian Academy of Sciences, 125412 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Gubernov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Korshunova
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei Kolobov
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Kiverin
- Joint Institute for High Temperatures, Russian Academy of Sciences, 125412 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow State Technical University by N.E. Bauman, 105005 Moscow, Russia
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22
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Bernardi D, Lindner B. Run with the Brownian Hare, Hunt with the Deterministic Hounds. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 128:040601. [PMID: 35148130 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.128.040601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We present analytic results for mean capture time and energy expended by a pack of deterministic hounds actively chasing a randomly diffusing prey. Depending on the number of chasers, the mean capture time as a function of the prey's diffusion coefficient can be monotonically increasing, decreasing, or attain a minimum at a finite value. Optimal speed and number of chasing hounds exist and depend on each chaser's baseline power consumption. The model can serve as an analytically tractable basis for further studies with bearing on the growing field of smart microswimmers and autonomous robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Bernardi
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Fossato di Mortara 19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Benjamin Lindner
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Philippstraße 13, Haus 2, 10115 Berlin, Germany and Physics Department of Humboldt University Berlin, Newtonstraße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
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23
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Wang Z, Xu W, Wang Z, Lyu D, Mu Y, Duan W, Wang Y. Polyhedral Micromotors of Metal-Organic Frameworks: Symmetry Breaking and Propulsion. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:19881-19892. [PMID: 34788029 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c09439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Colloidal micromotors can autonomously propel due to their broken symmetry that leads to unbalanced local mechanical forces. Most commonly, micromotors are synthesized to possess a Janus structure or its variants, having two components distinct in shape, composition, or surface joined together on opposite sides. Here, we report on an alternative approach for creating micromotors, where microcrystals of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with various polyhedral shapes are propelled under an AC electric field. In these cases, symmetry breaking is realized by orienting the polyhedral particles in a unique direction to generate uneven electrohydrodynamic flow. The particle orientations are controlled by a delicate competition between the electric and gravitational forces exerted on the particle, which we rationalize using experiments and a theoretical model. Furthermore, by leveraging the MOF types and shapes, or surface properties, we show that the propulsion of MOF motors can be tuned or reversed. Because of the flexibility in designing MOFs and their one-step scalable synthesis, our strategy is simple yet versatile for making well-defined functional micromotors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhisheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zuochen Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Dengping Lyu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yijiang Mu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wendi Duan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
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