Confined interface vibration for femtoliter droplets generation and manipulation. Issue 2 (12th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Dege; Huang, Bingfang; Cao, Yi; Han, Molong; Wu, Xinlei; Sun, Qiang; Ma, Chi; Zhao, Lilong; Liu, Peng; Zheng, Chao; Dong, Hang; Wang, Xiaolong; Liu, Yonghong; Zhang, Yanzhen
• Is Part Of: Nano select. Volume 2:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 338
• Page End: 345
• Publication Date: 2020-11-12
• Subjects: confined interface vibration -- droplets generation -- droplets manipulation -- inkjet; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/nano.202000151
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2688-4011

Abstract

Abstract: The precise and effective generation and manipulation of micron‐sized droplets is crucial for chemical and biological research and applications. Normally, droplets generation and manipulation are achieved by two separate devices/systems with their respective operation strategies. Pipette, inkjet nozzle, and microfluidic channels equipped with programed syringes are commonly used for droplets generation whereas the subsequent manipulation is normally achieved by leveraging of forces originating either from optical, electric, magnetic or acoustic field and the corresponding complicated devices. Here we report a new paradigm that can realize simultaneous droplets generation and manipulation in an immiscible liquid environment using only the confined interface vibration generated by the ordinary inkjet nozzle. Droplets, ranging from femtoliter to picoliter, can be generated and manipulated without interruption since they are actuated by the same nozzle. Our strategy provides a platform for precise generation and manipulating the micro‐sized droplets that may be valuable for applications requiring simple setups and seamless connection between droplets generation and droplets manipulation. Abstract : A new paradigm that can realize simultaneous droplets generation and precise manipulation in immiscible liquid using confined interface vibration (CIV) is reported. The CIV is generated by the ordinary inkjet nozzle and droplets generation and manipulation can be easily switched by regulating the intensity of the CIV, demonstrating great capacity of carrying out complex non‐contact chemical microanalysis and biological assays.