Lab in a Droplet (LiD): Self-assembly of micro-nano structures inside a Droplet using surface tension

Masaru Takeuchi*, Akihiko Ichikawa, Masahiro Nakajima, Toshio Fukuda, Yasuhisa Hasegawa, Qiang Huang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper, we conducted a new method to assemble microstructures inside a droplet named 'Lab in a Droplet (LiD)'. The method can realize the assembly of micro-nano structures inside a droplet size. The surface tension is used to assemble microstructures automatically. Micro-scale or nano-scale objects are ejected from an inkjet nozzle. They are gathered at the center of the droplet and assembled by the surface tension. We conducted preliminary experiments to check whether the self-assembly of microstructures can be achieved by LiD. The experimental results show that the self-assembly of microbeads is conducted inside a droplet. The nano-scale objects can be patterned on a substrate depend on their sizes. A microstructure made of photo-crosslinkable resin was prepared, and microbeads were assembled with the microstructure inside a droplet. The method can be used for autonomous assembly of micro-nano structures in high precision.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2015 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2015
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages4074-4079
Number of pages6
EditionJune
ISBN (Electronic)9781479969234
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Jun 2015
Event2015 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2015 - Seattle, United States
Duration: 26 May 201530 May 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
NumberJune
Volume2015-June
ISSN (Print)1050-4729

Conference

Conference2015 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle
Period26/05/1530/05/15

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