Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)  

<p>A novel setup measures the effect of magnetic field intensities on the surface tension of liquids placed inside uniform fields.</p>

DOI： 10.1039/c9ra00849g

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Recently, the construction of models for multicellular systems such as tissues has been attracting great interest. These model systems are expected to reproduce a cell communication network and provide insight into complicated functions in living systems./Such network structures have mainly been modelled using a droplet and a vesicle. However, in the droplet and vesicle network, there are difficulties attributed to structural instabilities due to external stimuli and perturbations. Thus, the fabrication of a network composed of a stable component such as hydrogel is desired. In this article, the construction of a stable network composed of honeycomb-shaped microhydrogels is described. We produced the microhydrogel network using a centrifugal microfluidic technique and a photosensitive polymer. In the network, densely packed honeycomb-shaped microhydrogels were observed. Additionally, we successfully controlled the degree of packing of microhydrogels in the network by changing the centrifugal force. We believe that our stable network will contribute to the study of cell communication in multicellular systems.

DOI： 10.3390/life8040038

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

Abstract

The magnetic actuation of deposited drops has mainly relied on volume forces exerted on the liquid to be transported, which is poorly efficient with conventional diamagnetic liquids such as water and oil, unless magnetosensitive particles are added. Herein, we describe a new and additive‐free way to magnetically control the motion of discrete liquid entities. Our strategy consists of using a paramagnetic liquid as a deformable substrate to direct, using a magnet, the motion of various floating liquid entities, ranging from naked drops to liquid marbles. A broad variety of liquids, including diamagnetic (water, oil) and nonmagnetic ones, can be efficiently transported using the moderate magnetic field (ca. 50 mT) produced by a small permanent magnet. Complex trajectories can be achieved in a reliable manner and multiplexing potential is demonstrated through on‐demand drop fusion. Our paramagnetofluidic method advantageously works without any complex equipment or electric power, in phase with the necessary development of robust and low‐cost analytical and diagnostic fluidic devices.

DOI： 10.1002/anie.201710668

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)  

DOI： 10.1039/c6sm02695h

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

DOI： 10.3390/mi7120229

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MyJove Corporation  

DOI： 10.3791/53860

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

Abstract

We report a versatile method for the generation of complex-shaped three-dimensional multi-compartmental (3D-MC) microparticles. Complex-shaped microparticles have recently received much attention for potential application in self-assemblies, micromachines and biomedical and environmental engineering. Here, we have developed a method based on 3D nonequilibrium-induced microflows (Marangoni and diffusional flows) of microdroplets that are discharged from the tip of a thin capillary in a simple centrifugal microfluidic device. The microparticle shapes can be tuned by the partial dissolution of specific compartments and by the deformation of the precursor microdroplets by manipulating the 3D microflows. We believe that this method will have wide applications in nano- and microscience and technologies.

DOI： 10.1038/srep20793

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Other Link： https://www.nature.com/articles/srep20793.pdf

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (international conference proceedings)   Publisher：Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society  

We developed a centrifugal microfluidic method for the construction of multi-helical hydrogel microfibers and marble hydrogel microbeads. In this method, we used a centrifugal mixer that can rotate a capillary-based microfluidic device by both 'orbital rotation' and 'axial spin'. By the axial spin, hydrogel fibers were twisted in their generation. We demonstrated this system was also applied to construction of marble microbeads. We believe that this method will promote the construction of complex threedimensional micro-materials and will be applied to cell manipulation, material synthesis, etc.

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (international conference proceedings)   Publisher：Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society  

We report an easy-to-use and versatile method for the synthesis of anisotropic non-spherical hydrogel microparticles with a various complex structures (e.g., two thirds of a sphere, triple-bladed turbines, etc.). The complex non-spherical microparticles were produced by partly dissolving specific parts of anisotropic spherical microparticles like colorful beach balls. Our method needs a tabletop mini centrifuge and common experimental supplies such as microtubes, glass capillaries, etc. and requires only 20 minutes for the whole process. This method will be useful for wide range of microparticle-based technologies such as self-assembled smart materials, drug delivery, and smart micro-machines, etc. Copyright © (2013) by the Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society All rights reserved. All rights reserved.

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