An acoustofluidic embedding platform for rapid multiphase microparticle injection

Ruoyu Zhong, Xianchen Xu, Gianna Tutoni, Mingyuan Liu, Kaichun Yang, Ke Li, Ke Jin, Ying Chen, John D. H. Mai, Matthew L. Becker and Tony Jun Huang ()
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Ruoyu Zhong: Duke University
Xianchen Xu: Duke University
Gianna Tutoni: Duke University
Mingyuan Liu: Duke University
Kaichun Yang: Duke University
Ke Li: Duke University
Ke Jin: Duke University
Ying Chen: Duke University
John D. H. Mai: University of Southern California
Matthew L. Becker: Duke University
Tony Jun Huang: Duke University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Droplet manipulation technologies play a critical role in many aspects of biochemical research, including in complex reaction assays useful for drug delivery, for building artificial cells, and in synthetic biology. While advancements have been made in manipulating liquid droplets, the capability to freely and dynamically manipulate solid objects across aqueous and oil phases remains unexplored. Here, we develop an acoustofluidic frequency-associated microsphere embedding platform, which enables microscale rapid injection of microparticles from a fluorinated oil into aqueous droplets. By observing different embedding mechanisms at low and high acoustic frequencies, we establish a theoretical model and practical principles for cross-phase manipulations. The proposed system not only enables multi-phase manipulation but also provides contactless control of specific microparticles within various distinctive phases. We demonstrate the acoustic-driven embedding and subsequent on-demand disassembly of hydrogel microspheres. This system indicates potential for reagent delivery and molecule capture applications. It enhances existing droplet manipulation technologies by enabling both multi-phase and cross-phase operations, paving the way for solid-liquid interaction studies in artificial cell research. The capability for intricate multi-phase loading, transport, and reactions offers promising implications for various fields, including in-droplet biochemical assays, drug delivery, and synthetic biology.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59146-x

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