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Magnetic Actuation of Drops and Liquid Marbles Using a Deformable Paramagnetic Liquid Substrate
Author(s) -
Vialetto Jacopo,
Hayakawa Masayuki,
Kavokine Nikita,
Takinoue Masahiro,
Varanakkottu Subramanyan Namboodiri,
Rudiuk Sergii,
Anyfantakis Manos,
Morel Mathieu,
Baigl Damien
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201710668
Subject(s) - digital microfluidics , diamagnetism , paramagnetism , magnet , drop (telecommunication) , microfluidics , complex fluid , substrate (aquarium) , magnetic field , materials science , nanotechnology , chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , mechanics , optoelectronics , chromatography , condensed matter physics , mechanical engineering , physics , electrowetting , oceanography , quantum mechanics , geology , dielectric , engineering
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.