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Moradi M, Shklyaev OE, Balazs AC. Integrating chemistry, fluid flow, and mechanics to drive spontaneous formation of three-dimensional (3D) patterns in anchored microstructures. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319777121. [PMID: 38437554 PMCID: PMC10945754 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319777121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Enzymatic reactions in solution drive the convection of confined fluids throughout the enclosing chambers and thereby couple the processes of reaction and convection. In these systems, the energy released from the chemical reactions generates a force, which propels the fluids' spontaneous motion. Here, we use theoretical and computational modeling to determine how reaction-convection can be harnessed to tailor and control the dynamic behavior of soft matter immersed in solution. Our model system encompasses an array of surface-anchored, flexible posts in a millimeter-sized, fluid-filled chamber. Selected posts are coated with enzymes, which react with dissolved chemicals to produce buoyancy-driven fluid flows. We show that these chemically generated flows exert a force on both the coated (active) and passive posts and thus produce regular, self-organized patterns. Due to the specificity of enzymatic reactions, the posts display controllable kaleidoscopic behavior where one regular pattern is smoothly morphed into another with the addition of certain reactants. These spatiotemporal patterns also form "fingerprints" that distinctly characterize the system, reflecting the type of enzymes used, placement of the enzyme-coated posts, height of the chamber, and bending modulus of the elastic posts. The results reveal how reaction-convection provides concepts for designing soft matter that readily switches among multiple morphologies. This behavior enables microfluidic devices to be spontaneously reconfigured for specific applications without construction of new chambers and the fabrication of standalone sensors that operate without extraneous power sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moslem Moradi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15261
| | - Oleg E. Shklyaev
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15261
| | - Anna C. Balazs
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15261
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2
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Molefe L, Kolinski JM. Elastocapillary menisci mediate interaction of neighboring structures at the surface of a compliant solid. Phys Rev E 2023; 108:L043001. [PMID: 37978591 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.108.l043001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Surface stress drives long-range elastocapillary interactions at the surface of compliant solids, where it has been observed to mediate interparticle interactions and to alter transport of liquid drops. We show that such an elastocapillary interaction arises between neighboring structures that are simply protrusions of the compliant solid. For compliant micropillars arranged in a square lattice with spacing p less than an interaction distance p^{*}, the distance of a pillar to its neighbors determines how much it deforms due to surface stress: Pillars that are close together tend to be rounder and flatter than those that are far apart. The interaction is mediated by the formation of an elastocapillary meniscus at the base of each pillar, which sets the interaction distance and causes neighboring structures to deform more than those that are relatively isolated. Neighboring pillars also displace toward each other to form clusters, leading to the emergence of pattern formation and ordered domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lebo Molefe
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IGM), School of Engineering (STI), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - John M Kolinski
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IGM), School of Engineering (STI), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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3
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Sheng Z, Liu Z, Hou Y, Jiang H, Li Y, Li G, Zhang X. The Rising Aerogel Fibers: Status, Challenges, and Opportunities. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205762. [PMID: 36658735 PMCID: PMC10037991 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aerogel fibers garner tremendous scientific interest due to their unique properties such as ultrahigh porosity, large specific surface area, and ultralow thermal conductivity, enabling diverse potential applications in textile, environment, energy conversion and storage, and high-tech areas. Here, the fabrication methodologies to construct the aerogel fibers starting from nanoscale building blocks are overviewed, and the spinning thermodynamics and spinning kinetics associated with each technology are revealed. The huge pool of material choices that can be assembled into aerogel fibers is discussed. Furthermore, the fascinating properties of aerogel fibers, including mechanical, thermal, sorptive, optical, and fire-retardant properties are elaborated on. Next, the nano-confining functionalization strategy for aerogel fibers is particularly highlighted, touching upon the driving force for liquid encapsulation, solid-liquid interface adhesion, and interfacial stability. In addition, emerging applications in thermal management, smart wearable fabrics, water harvest, shielding, heat transfer devices, artificial muscles, and information storage, are discussed. Last, the existing challenges in the development of aerogel fibers are pointed out and light is shed on the opportunities in this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhi Sheng
- Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano BionicsChinese Academy of SciencesSuzhou215123China
| | - Zengwei Liu
- Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano BionicsChinese Academy of SciencesSuzhou215123China
| | - Yinglai Hou
- Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano BionicsChinese Academy of SciencesSuzhou215123China
| | - Haotian Jiang
- Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano BionicsChinese Academy of SciencesSuzhou215123China
| | - Yuzhen Li
- Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano BionicsChinese Academy of SciencesSuzhou215123China
| | - Guangyong Li
- Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano BionicsChinese Academy of SciencesSuzhou215123China
| | - Xuetong Zhang
- Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano BionicsChinese Academy of SciencesSuzhou215123China
- Division of Surgery & Interventional ScienceUniversity College LondonLondonNW3 2PFUK
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4
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Bioinspired shape shifting of liquid-infused ribbed sheets. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2216001120. [PMID: 36580599 PMCID: PMC9910422 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2216001120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of stimuli-responsive, shape-shifting materials offers promising applications in fields as different as soft robotics, aeronautics, or biomedical engineering. Targeted shapes or movements are achieved from the advantageous coupling between some stimulus and various materials such as liquid crystalline elastomers, magnetically responsive soft materials, swelling hydrogels, etc. However, despite the large variety of strategies, they are strongly material dependent and do not offer the possibility to choose between reversible and irreversible transformations. Here, we introduce a strategy applicable to a wide range of materials yielding systematically reversible or irreversible shape transformations of soft ribbed sheets with precise control over the local curvature. Our approach-inspired by the spore-releasing mechanism of the fern sporangium-relies on the capillary deformation of an architected elastic sheet impregnated by an evaporating liquid. We develop an analytical model combining sheet geometry, material stiffness, and capillary forces to rationalize the onset of such deformations and develop a geometric procedure to inverse program target shapes requiring fine control over the curvature gradient. We finally demonstrate the potential irreversibility of the transformation by UV-curing a photosensitive evaporating solution and show that the obtained shells exhibit enhanced mechanical stiffness.
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5
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Vrancken N, Ghosh T, Anand U, Aabdin Z, Chee SW, Baraissov Z, Terryn H, Gendt SD, Tao Z, Xu X, Holsteyns F, Mirsaidov U. Nanoscale Elastocapillary Effect Induced by Thin-Liquid-Film Instability. J Phys Chem Lett 2020; 11:2751-2758. [PMID: 32187494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Dense arrays of high-aspect-ratio (HAR) vertical nanostructures are essential elements of microelectronic components, photovoltaics, nanoelectromechanical, and energy storage devices. One of the critical challenges in manufacturing the HAR nanostructures is to prevent their capillary-induced aggregation during solution-based nanofabrication processes. Despite the importance of controlling capillary effects, the detailed mechanisms of how a solution interacts with nanostructures are not well understood. Using in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we track the dynamics of nanoscale drying process of HAR silicon (Si) nanopillars in real-time and identify a new mechanism responsible for pattern collapse and nanostructure aggregation. During drying, deflection and aggregation of nanopillars are driven by thin-liquid-film instability, which results in much stronger capillary interactions between the nanopillars than the commonly proposed lateral meniscus interaction forces. The importance of thin-film instability in dewetting has been overlooked in prevalent theories on elastocapillary aggregation. The new dynamic mechanism revealed by in situ visualization is essential for the development of robust nanofabrication processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandi Vrancken
- Centre for BioImaging Sciences and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117557, Singapore
- Department of Materials & Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Elsene, Belgium
- IMEC, Kapeldreef 75, Leuven B-3001, Belgium
| | - Tanmay Ghosh
- Centre for BioImaging Sciences and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117557, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117551, Singapore
| | - Utkarsh Anand
- Centre for BioImaging Sciences and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117557, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117551, Singapore
- Centre for Advanced 2D Materials and Graphene Research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| | - Zainul Aabdin
- Centre for BioImaging Sciences and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117557, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117551, Singapore
- Centre for Advanced 2D Materials and Graphene Research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117546, Singapore
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138634, Singapore
| | - See Wee Chee
- Centre for BioImaging Sciences and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117557, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117551, Singapore
- Centre for Advanced 2D Materials and Graphene Research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| | - Zhaslan Baraissov
- Centre for BioImaging Sciences and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117557, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117551, Singapore
- Centre for Advanced 2D Materials and Graphene Research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| | - Herman Terryn
- Department of Materials & Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Elsene, Belgium
| | - Stefan De Gendt
- IMEC, Kapeldreef 75, Leuven B-3001, Belgium
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zheng Tao
- IMEC, Kapeldreef 75, Leuven B-3001, Belgium
| | - XiuMei Xu
- IMEC, Kapeldreef 75, Leuven B-3001, Belgium
| | | | - Utkur Mirsaidov
- Centre for BioImaging Sciences and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117557, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117551, Singapore
- Centre for Advanced 2D Materials and Graphene Research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117546, Singapore
- Department of Materials Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575, Singapore
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6
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Tseng HY, Chen YH, Chen RY, Yang H. Reversibly Erasable Broadband Omnidirectional Antireflection Coatings Inspired by Inclined Conical Structures on Blue-Tailed Forest Hawk Dragonfly Wings. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:10883-10892. [PMID: 32031777 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c00823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Blue-tailed forest hawk dragonfly (Orthetrum triangulare) wings, covered with inclined conical structures, are studied for their high transparency and low reflectance for large viewing angles. However, limited by existing technologies, the exquisite inclined structures are not replicated easily or applied adequately. Here, we combine a shear-induced self-assembly approach and a colloidal lithography technology to create omnidirectional antireflection structures that are inspired by dragonfly wings. Nonclose-packed colloid crystals are spin-coated and serve as structural templates in a plasma etching procedure to pattern subwavelength inclined conical structures directly on shape memory polymer-coated substrates. The dependence of the antireflection functionality on the shape and inclination of conical structures is systematically investigated in this research. Compared with a featureless substrate, the structure-covered substrate can display an approximately 8% higher average transmittance in the visible wavelength range at normal incidence and even approximately 23% higher average transmittance as the incident angle increases to 75°. Moreover, the reconfigurable structures composed of shape memory polymers can be repeatedly deformed and recovered as a result of external stimuli at ambient conditions, and the corresponding broadband omnidirectional antireflection functionality is therefore reversibly erased and restored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yu Tseng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Han Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Yu Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Hongta Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
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7
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Gu Z, Kothary P, Sun CH, Gari A, Zhang Y, Taylor C, Jiang P. Evaporation-Induced Hierarchical Assembly of Rigid Silicon Nanopillars Fabricated by a Scalable Two-Level Colloidal Lithography Approach. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:40461-40469. [PMID: 31588737 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Periodic arrays of silicon nanowires/nanopillars are of great technological importance in developing novel electrical, optical, biosensing, and electromechanical devices. Here, we report a novel two-level colloidal lithography technology for making periodic arrays of single-crystalline silicon nanopillars (or nanocolumns) over large areas. Spin-coated monolayer silica colloidal crystals with unusual nonclose-packed structures are utilized as first-level etching masks in generating ordered polymer posts whose sizes can be much smaller than the templating silica microspheres. These polymer posts can then be used as second-level structural templates in fabricating highly ordered silicon nanopillars with broadly tunable geometries by employing metal-assisted chemical etching. As the silicon nanopillars are produced by direct wet etching on the surface of a single-crystalline silicon wafer, they are relatively free of volume defects and thus their bending strength approaches the predicted theoretical maximum. Most importantly, the unique nonclose-packed structure of the original colloidal template and the close-to-ideal mechanical property enables the formation of unusual open-structured hierarchical assemblies of rigid silicon nanopillars during water evaporation. Both experiments and numerical finite-difference time-domain modeling confirm the importance of high aspect ratios of the templated silicon nanopillars in achieving superior broadband antireflection properties. The large fraction of entrapped air in the hierarchically assembled silicon nanopillars further facilitates to accomplish superhydrophobic surface states, promising for developing self-cleaning antireflection coatings for many important optoelectronic applications.
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8
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Susarrey-Arce A, Hernández-Sánchez JF, Marcello M, Diaz-Fernandez Y, Oknianska A, Sorzabal-Bellido I, Tiggelaar R, Lohse D, Gardeniers H, Snoeijer J, Marin A, Raval R. Bacterial Footprints in Elastic Pillared Microstructures. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2018; 1:1294-1300. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.8b00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Susarrey-Arce
- Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces at the Surface Science Research Centre and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - José Federico Hernández-Sánchez
- Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering and Clean Combustion Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marco Marcello
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Yuri Diaz-Fernandez
- Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces at the Surface Science Research Centre and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Alina Oknianska
- School of Health Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool L16 9JD, United Kingdom
| | - Ioritz Sorzabal-Bellido
- Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces at the Surface Science Research Centre and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Roald Tiggelaar
- NanoLab Cleanroom, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Detlef Lohse
- Physics of Fluids Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, J.M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Han Gardeniers
- Mesoscale Chemical Systems, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Jacco Snoeijer
- Physics of Fluids Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, J.M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Alvaro Marin
- Physics of Fluids Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, J.M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Rasmita Raval
- Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces at the Surface Science Research Centre and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
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9
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Gallaire F, Brun PT. Fluid dynamic instabilities: theory and application to pattern forming in complex media. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2017; 375:20160155. [PMID: 28373378 PMCID: PMC5379038 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2016.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In this review article, we exemplify the use of stability analysis tools to rationalize pattern formation in complex media. Specifically, we focus on fluid flows, and show how the destabilization of their interface sets the blueprint of the patterns they eventually form. We review the potential use and limitations of the theoretical methods at the end, in terms of their applications to practical settings, e.g. as guidelines to design and fabricate structures while harnessing instabilities.This article is part of the themed issue 'Patterning through instabilities in complex media: theory and applications'.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Gallaire
- Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Instabilities, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - P-T Brun
- Department of Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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10
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Novak I, Truskinovsky L. Segmentation in cohesive systems constrained by elastic environments. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2017; 375:rsta.2016.0160. [PMID: 28373383 PMCID: PMC5379043 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2016.0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of fracture-induced segmentation in elastically constrained cohesive (fragile) systems originates from the presence of competing interactions. The role of discreteness in such phenomena is of interest in a variety of fields, from hierarchical self-assembly to developmental morphogenesis. In this paper, we study the analytically solvable example of segmentation in a breakable mass-spring chain elastically linked to a deformable lattice structure. We explicitly construct the complete set of local minima of the energy in this prototypical problem and identify among them the states corresponding to the global energy minima. We show that, even in the continuum limit, the dependence of the segmentation topology on the stretching/pre-stress parameter in this problem takes the form of a devil's type staircase. The peculiar nature of this staircase, characterized by locking in rational microstructures, is of particular importance for biological applications, where its structure may serve as an explanation of the robustness of stress-driven segmentation.This article is part of the themed issue 'Patterning through instabilities in complex media: theory and applications.'
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Affiliation(s)
- I Novak
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - L Truskinovsky
- Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, CNRS-UMR 7636, PSL, ESPCI, 10 Rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
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11
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Mata A, Azevedo HS, Botto L, Gavara N, Su L. New Bioengineering Breakthroughs and Enabling Tools in Regenerative Medicine. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2017; 3:83-97. [PMID: 28596936 PMCID: PMC5445180 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-017-0081-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review, we provide a general overview of recent bioengineering breakthroughs and enabling tools that are transforming the field of regenerative medicine (RM). We focus on five key areas that are evolving and increasingly interacting including mechanobiology, biomaterials and scaffolds, intracellular delivery strategies, imaging techniques, and computational and mathematical modeling. RECENT FINDINGS Mechanobiology plays an increasingly important role in tissue regeneration and design of therapies. This knowledge is aiding the design of more precise and effective biomaterials and scaffolds. Likewise, this enhanced precision is enabling ways to communicate with and stimulate cells down to their genome. Novel imaging technologies are permitting visualization and monitoring of all these events with increasing resolution from the research stages up to the clinic. Finally, algorithmic mining of data and soft matter physics and engineering are creating growing opportunities to predict biological scenarios, device performance, and therapeutic outcomes. SUMMARY We have found that the development of these areas is not only leading to revolutionary technological advances but also enabling a conceptual leap focused on targeting regenerative strategies in a holistic manner. This approach is bringing us ever more closer to the reality of personalized and precise RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Mata
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS UK
| | - Helena S. Azevedo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS UK
| | - Lorenzo Botto
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS UK
| | - Nuria Gavara
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS UK
| | - Lei Su
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS UK
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12
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Hu Y, Lao Z, Cumming BP, Wu D, Li J, Liang H, Chu J, Huang W, Gu M. Laser printing hierarchical structures with the aid of controlled capillary-driven self-assembly. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:6876-81. [PMID: 26038541 PMCID: PMC4460519 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1503861112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Capillary force is often regarded as detrimental because it may cause undesired distortion or even destruction to micro/nanostructures during a fabrication process, and thus many efforts have been made to eliminate its negative effects. From a different perspective, capillary force can be artfully used to construct specific complex architectures. Here, we propose a laser printing capillary-assisted self-assembly strategy for fabricating regular periodic structures. Microscale pillars are first produced by localized femtosecond laser polymerization and are subsequently assembled into periodic hierarchical architectures with the assistance of controlled capillary forces in an evaporating liquid. Spatial arrangements, pillar heights, and evaporation processes are readily tuned to achieve designable ordered assemblies with various geometries. Reversibility of the assembly is also revealed by breaking the balance between the intermolecular force and the elastic standing force. We further demonstrate the functionality of the hierarchical structures as a nontrivial tool for the selective trapping and releasing of microparticles, opening up a potential for the development of in situ transportation systems for microobjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlei Hu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Centre for Micro-Photonics and Centre for Ultrahigh-Bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (CUDOS), Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Zhaoxin Lao
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Benjamin P Cumming
- Centre for Micro-Photonics and Centre for Ultrahigh-Bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (CUDOS), Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Jiawen Li
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Haiyi Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, and Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Jiaru Chu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China;
| | - Wenhao Huang
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Min Gu
- Centre for Micro-Photonics and Centre for Ultrahigh-Bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (CUDOS), Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia;
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