Optically controlled coalescence and splitting of femtoliter/picoliter droplets for microreactors

Microreactor technology has attracted tremendous interest due to its features of a large specific surface area, low consumption of reagents and energy, and flexible control of the reaction process. As most of the current microreactors have volumes of microliters or even larger, effective methods to reduce the microreactors' sizes and improve their flexibility and controllability have become highly demanded. Here we propose an optical method of coalescence and splitting of femto-/pico-liter droplets for application in microreactors. Firstly, two different schemes are adopted to stably trap and directionally transport the microdroplets (oil and water) by a scanning optical tweezing system. Then, optically controlled coalescence and splitting of the microdroplets are achieved on this basis, and the mechanism and conditions are explored. Finally, the microdroplets are used as microreactors to conduct the microreactions. Such microreactors combine the advantages of miniaturization and the multi-functions of microdroplets, as well as the precision, flexibility, and non-invasiveness of optical tweezers, holding great potential for applications in materials synthesis and biosensing.

Automated summary

In this study, an optical method for coalescence and splitting of femto-/pico-liter droplets in microreactors is proposed. The microdroplets (oil and water) are stably trapped and directionally transported using a scanning optical tweezing system, and optically controlled coalescence and splitting of the microdroplets are achieved. These microreactors combine the advantages of miniaturization and the multi-functions of microdroplets, as well as the precision, flexibility, and non-invasiveness of optical tweezers, showing great potential for applications in materials synthesis and biosensing.