Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hualin Li, Peng Liu, Renardi Gunawan, Zemenu Mengistie Simeneh, Chen Liang, Xi Yao, Mengsu Yang
Summary: The development of liquid marbles coated with iron oxide nanocubes allows for homogeneous heating with an alternating magnetic field, achieving temperatures up to 86 degrees C. By tuning the power of the AMF, the liquid marbles can be heated to desired temperatures in controllable patterns. Furthermore, the unique magnetothermal properties of these liquid marbles enable multicenter and selective heating, showing potential applications in areas such as biosensor technology and theranostics.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Parnian Azizian, Mahbod Mohammadrashidi, Ali Abbas Azimi, Mohamad Ali Bijarchi, Mohammad Behshad Shafii, Rohollah Nasiri
Summary: Magnetic liquid marbles were used to manipulate nonmagnetic liquid marbles by adjusting their volumes, initial distances, and coil current to change their displacement and direction.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mohammad Hosein Sarkhosh, Masoud Yousefi, Mohamad Ali Bijarchi, Hossein Nejat Pishkenari, Kimia Forghani
Summary: This study investigates a novel method of manipulating ferrofluid marbles and droplets using magnetic repulsive force, and shows the capability of the proposed system in simultaneous shape deformation and manipulation of the ferrofluid droplets.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Zheng Huang, Yuanhao Xie, Huaying Chen, Zhihang Yu, Liuyong Shi, Jing Jin
Summary: This paper provides a systematic review of the fundamentals and manipulation of bare droplets and liquid marbles (LMs) in the frame of open microfluidics (OMF). The research mainly focuses on the intrinsic properties of bare droplets on solid substrates, the formation mechanism and performance of nonwetting LMs, the friction obstacles and actuation principles for driving droplets and LMs, and the key techniques for manipulation tasks such as transportation, coalescence, mixing, and splitting. The similarities and differences between bare droplets and LMs are summarized, and future developments towards droplet- or LM-based microreactors and microsensors are recommended.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mizuki Tenjimbayashi, Shota Yamamoto, Koichiro Uto
Summary: In this study, a dry powder that encapsulates single to several cells with a >95% aqueous culture medium is reported as a powerful cell-picking tool. The drycells are formed by spraying a cell suspension onto a powder bed, and the particles adsorb to the droplet surface and form a superhydrophobic shell. The number of encapsulated cells per drycell can be controlled, and various handling techniques can be used.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pritam Kumar Roy, Irina Legchenkova, Shraga Shoval, Leonid A. Dombrovsky, Edward Bormashenko
Summary: The study suggests that the evolution of composite water marbles filled with saline water and coated with lycopodium dispersed in a thin layer of silicone oil is related to osmotic mass transfer. Experimental results show that these composite marbles can remain stable in osmotic solutions.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joshua Saczek, Xiaoxue Yao, Vladimir Zivkovic, Mohamed Mamlouk, Dan Wang, Stevin S. Pramana, Steven Wang
Summary: Liquid marbles encapsulate various liquids with hydrophobic particles, providing isolation from the external environment, but face limitations in lifetime and robustness. By manipulating particle characteristics and environments, improvements in stability can be achieved. Emerging applications such as unconventional computing, cell mimicry, and soft lithography benefit from liquid marble technology.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Raja Vadivelu, Navid Kashaninejad, Mohammad Reza Nikmaneshi, Rubina Rahaman Khadim, Seyedeh Sarah Salehi, Naveen Chintala Ramulu, Yasuyuki Sakai, Masaki Nishikawa, Bahar Firoozabadi, Nam-Trung Nguyen
Summary: A functional sessile LM system for long-term 3D cell culture is developed by embedding LM with agarose gel to reduce evaporation. Comprehensive mathematical modeling, numerical simulations, and experimental investigations show that the platform acts as a moisture absorption system to control evaporation, extending the life span of LMs. The presence of agarose significantly contributes to minimizing evaporation and improving the viability of the harvested multicellular spheroids.
Article
Microbiology
Lukas Bromig, Dirk Weuster-Botz
Summary: Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is a valuable tool for strain development, and a novel approach using a parallelized, L scale stirred-tank bioreactor system has been developed, which is faster and more efficient than traditional serial passaging and mL scale automated methods. Continuous estimation of biomass concentration and growth rate using off-gas analysis showed that the proposed method led to stable growth rates of E. coli with glycerol 9.4 times faster than traditional methods and 3.6 times faster than automated mL scale methods.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pritam Kumar Roy, Irina Legchenkova, Shraga Shoval, Edward Bormashenko
Summary: The study shows that interfacial crystallization occurs in Janus saline marbles, which is in line with the theory of heterogeneous nucleation. The energetic barrier of heterogeneous nucleation is smaller for the saline/carbon black hemisphere, leading to crystal formation. In the case of half-coated marbles, crystallization starts from the equatorial contact line separating the coated and naked hemispheres.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Holger Morschett, Niklas Tenhaef, Johannes Hemmerich, Laura Herbst, Markus Spiertz, Deniz Dogan, Wolfgang Wiechert, Stephan Noack, Marco Oldiges
Summary: The classic stirred tank bioreactor (STR) remains the gold standard for bioprocess development at a laboratory scale due to its geometric similarity to large-scale production plants and excellent possibilities for process control. However, automation and deriving key performance indicators (KPIs) are often manual processes in bioreactors. By automating a widely used parallelized STR setup with a liquid handling system, a flexible modular platform was created for autonomous operation of bioreactors without the need for an operator.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Min Liu, Changhong Chen, Jiajun Yu, Haitao Zhang, Lei Liang, Bingyan Guo, Yuwei Qiu, Fanglian Yao, Hong Zhang, Junjie Li
Summary: Liquid marble, as an alternative cryopreservation tool, shows promising potential in protecting cells efficiently without the need for toxic additives like DMSO and FBS. Gelatin-based liquid marble exhibits superior biocompatibility and ice recrystallization inhibition activity, providing a safe and effective method for cell preservation.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pritam Kumar Roy, Shraga Shoval, Syuji Fujii, Edward Bormashenko
Summary: We hypothesized that the hydrophilization of polymer plates coating evaporated polyhedral liquid marbles can control interfacial crystallization. This hypothesis was tested using hydrophobized and cold plasma hydrophilized PET plates. The experiments showed that NaCl crystallization initiated at the edges of the plates for both types of marbles, and no crystallization was observed on the hydrophobized PET surfaces. The evaporation process resulted in the formation of hollow shells composed of PET plates and NaCl crystals, with the outer hydrophilic side of the PET plates coated by the saline creep process. The observed phenomena can be explained thermodynamically.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Nicole Rupp, Robert Ries, Rebecca Wienbruch, Thole Zuchner
Summary: This article discusses the importance of laboratory automation and provides a guide for practitioners with little knowledge in this field to help them decide on implementing laboratory automation and finding a suitable system. It covers a wide range of perspectives and considerations in the decision-making process.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Takayuki Takei, Rio Tomimatsu, Takanori Matsumoto, Kamalalayam Rajan Sreejith, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Masahiro Yoshida
Summary: The unique properties and morphology of liquid marbles make them potentially useful for various applications. In this study, hydrophobically modified gelatin was used as the base material for particles, and the effect of surface tension and liquid-over-solid spreading coefficient on the formation of liquid marbles was investigated.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuqiu Sun, Hua He, Xiulin Huang, Zhiguang Guo
Summary: We report a superhydrophobic daytime radiative cooling coating based on SiO2-GB powder, which achieves strong sunlight reflectivity (96%) and high mid-infrared emissivity (98%), resulting in an ambient temperature drop of 11.1 degrees C in direct outdoor sunlight. The coating exhibits good superhydrophobic properties with a water contact angle of 157 degrees, allowing it to be self-cleaning and maintain good radiation cooling performance. Additionally, the prepared coatings remain hydrophobic and retain good radiative cooling properties under different pH solutions and long-term exposure to UV irradiation, which has important implications for sustainable applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bingrui Liu, Bin Dong, Chen Xin, Chao Chen, Leran Zhang, Dawei Wang, Yanlei Hu, Jiawen Li, Li Zhang, Dong Wu, Jiaru Chu
Summary: In this study, a high-resolution hydrogel photoresist was developed for the fabrication of 4D microscopic SCs using the femtosecond direct laser writing method. By adjusting the laser parameters, pixel palettes with various colors were printed, covering almost the entire color space. Additionally, the hydrogel photoresist was able to undergo reversible discoloration by regulating the solution pH.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiahao Li, Zhiguang Guo, Weimin Liu
Summary: This review focuses on the development and application of biomimetic superhydrophobic surface structures. Two kinds of structures, binary structures and unitary structures, with superhydrophobic properties are analyzed. Hierarchical binary structures perform better in superhydrophobicity. Various properties achieved through binary structures are summarized. Combinations of different properties in superhydrophobic materials are also discussed.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Daheng Wang, Jinxia Huang, Zhiguang Guo
Summary: Edible Lubricant-Infused Surface (ELIS) is prepared using an antisolvent method with ethyl oleate, ethanol, and shellac. The ELIS has sub-micro- to micro-scaled shellac particles, providing water and food liquid slipperiness, transparency, abrasion resistance, and lubricant retention. Compared to traditional methods, the all-in-one solution and simplified synthesis process of ELIS is more efficient.
JOURNAL OF BIONIC ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siyang Zhao, Chenggong Xu, Qinghong Zeng, Jiaxu Zhang, Cong Liu, Yongmin Liang, Zhiguang Guo, Jinxia Huang, Weimin Liu
Summary: Developing advanced oil-water separation technology is significant for environmental conservation. Superwetting materials with small pore sizes have been designed to realize high-efficiency separation for oil-water emulsions. However, the separation flux is limited by the pore size and the weakness of the superwetting material, hindering its practical application.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dongdong Jin, Qinglong Wang, Kai Fung Chan, Neng Xia, Haojin Yang, Qianqian Wang, Simon Chun Ho Yu, Li Zhang
Summary: The recent rise of swarming microrobotics shows great potential in revolutionizing minimally invasive embolization procedures for treating aneurysms. However, there are significant challenges in targeted embolization treatment using micro robots, specifically in delivery capability and filling controllability. This study develops a swarming microrobotic platform integrated with interventional catheterization for on-demand embolization of aneurysms in physiological blood flow. A pH-responsive self-healing hydrogel containing magnetic and imaging agents is developed as embolic microgels, enabling long-term self-adhesion in a controllable manner. The embolization strategy involves catheter-assisted deployment of swarming microgels, followed by targeted aggregation of microrobots into the aneurysm sac under real-time ultrasound and fluoroscopy imaging guidance. Mild acidic stimulus is applied to trigger the welding of microgels, resulting in complete embolization with satisfactory bio-/hemocompatibility and physical stability. This work presents a promising advancement in the design and control of microrobotic swarms for practical applications in dynamic environments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chong Zhang, Chengfeng Pan, Kai Fung Chan, Jinyang Gao, Zhengxin Yang, Kevin Kai Chung Leung, Dongdong Jin, Yuqiong Wang, Neng Xia, Zhipeng Ning, Xin Wang, Shuai Jiang, Zifeng Zhang, Qinglong Wang, Bo Hao, Philip Wai Yan Chiu, Li Zhang
Summary: This article reports a battery-free and deformable electronic esophageal stent for wireless stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter without the need for open surgery. The stent is capable of adapting to the dynamic environment of the esophagus and wirelessly harvesting energy through deep tissue. In vivo experiments using pig models demonstrated that continuous electrical stimulations delivered by the stent significantly increased the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Article
Robotics
Yanfei Cao, Zhengxin Yang, Bo Hao, Xin Wang, Mingxue Cai, Zhaoyang Qi, Bonan Sun, Qinglong Wang, Li Zhang
Summary: In this study, a novel magnetic moment intraoperatively programmable continuum robot (MMPCR) is introduced, which can deform under three modalities and modulate the deflection directions and curvatures of different segments. The magnetic moment programming and MMPCR kinematics are modeled, numerically simulated, and experimentally validated. The MMPCR demonstrates a higher capacity for dexterous deformation compared to MCR.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Bonan Sun, Mengmeng Sun, Zifeng Zhang, Yihang Jiang, Bo Hao, Xin Wang, Yanfei Cao, Tony K. F. Chan, Li Zhang
Summary: Researchers have developed magnetic hydrogel micromachines capable of mechanically disrupting biofilms and releasing antibacterial agents, providing a new treatment option for biofilm-related infections in narrow spaces.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
Review
Automation & Control Systems
Qianqian Wang, Nan Xiang, Ji Lang, Ben Wang, Dongdong Jin, Li Zhang
Summary: Soft miniature machines with wireless control have the potential for microrobotic manipulation in narrow spaces. Liquid-bodied machines, with their extreme deformability, can navigate and interact with objects and environments. This article provides an overview of recent research on magnetic control methods and applications of liquid-bodied machines, focusing on ferrofluid-based, liquid metal-based, liquid marble-based, and droplet-based machines. The connection between control methods and applications is analyzed, and the current challenges and research opportunities in liquid-bodied miniature machines are discussed.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Lidong Yang, Mengmeng Sun, Moqiu Zhang, Li Zhang
Summary: In this work, a soft ferrofluid robot (FR) is studied, which is controlled by dynamic magnetic fields to achieve rolling, wobbling, oscillating, and dragging motion modes. The aim is to provide more adaptable motion modes for the robot and reduce the complexity of the magnetic actuation system.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linshan Wu, Zhiguang Guo
Summary: A multifunctional silver@titanium dioxide composite cloth was prepared using a simple method, exhibiting convertible wettability under IR or UV irradiation due to the unique properties of nano-titania and nano-silver. The switchable wettability was utilized for efficient separation of water-heavy oil mixtures or water-light oil mixtures, with high separation efficiency and oil flux. Furthermore, the composite cloth showed excellent photothermal properties under infrared irradiation, highlighting its potential advantages in various applications.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chenyang Xiao, Pengcheng Zhai, Kailiang Fang, Zhuoming Xia, Bo Duan, Xiaobin Feng, Guodong Li, Ling Zhou, Ben Huang, Zhiguang Guo, Qingjie Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the impact of high hydrostatic compression strain on the microstructural evolution of Cu2-xSe and its implications for thermoelectric performance. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that high compression strain induces diffusion of Cu ions and development of Se twins, resulting in the breaking and reforming of Cu-Se bonds and the destabilization of the Se sublattice. Subsequent annealing promotes Se evaporation and the formation of pores, leading to a reduction in lattice thermal conductivity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wen Si, Xin Dai, Shiping He, Zhiguang Guo
Summary: This study presents an approach combining laser etching with a chemical method to obtain superamphiphobic copper surfaces with UV resistance, adjustable oil adhesion, and corrosion resistance. The modified copper surface exhibits superamphiphobic properties and outstanding resistance to UV irradiation, strong acids, strong alkalis, and saturated sodium chloride solutions. Additionally, the surface shows excellent anti-fouling and self-cleaning capabilities when in contact with water and crude oil.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yong Yang, Zhiguang Guo, Weimin Liu
Summary: Frequent oil spills have a significant impact on ecological balance. Traditional superhydrophobic materials are limited to organic solvent separation and lack the ability to undergo thermal conversion. Photothermal materials, utilizing solar energy as a constant power source, have emerged as promising, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solutions. This study presents the self-assembly of titanium nitride/polydopamine nanoparticles on polyurethane sponges and subsequent coating with polydimethylsiloxane. The material demonstrates excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, stability, and adhesion, making it suitable for continuous separation of crude oil/seawater in oceanic environments.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
