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We actuate with light & magnets, we fold & unfold DNA, we cell-free express proteins, we play with drops, marbles & interfaces, we organize particles, we harness coffee rings.

First LED-based digital optofluidics for organic synthesis accepted in Langmuir!



05 April 2014. Our manuscript "Digital Optofluidics: LED-Gated Transport and Fusion of Microliter-Sized Organic Droplets for Chemical Synthesis" has just been accepted in Langmuir.

Abstract: Microdroplet-based organic syntheses have been developed as a valuable alternative to traditional bulk-based methods. However, unlike their water counterparts, organic microdroplets can prove challenging to manipulate. Here, we describe the first optical manipulation of discrete, nL- to µL-sized apolar droplets floating on a liquid surface to induce on-demand droplet fusion for organic synthesis. We demonstrate droplet transport on cm-scale distances at speeds of 0.1 to 1 mm s-1, with well-programmable, sequential or parallel, fusion events. As our strategy is compatible with most usual hydrocarbon solvents, such droplets can be used as micro-compartments for reagents. Organic reactions readily occur upon droplet fusion, as demonstrated with an ene-reaction. With a LED as sole power source, and without any fabrication step, optical set-up, pump nor electrode implementation, our method provides a robust and versatile way to place digital organic chemistry under optical control.

Reference:

Digital Optofluidics: LED-Gated Transport and Fusion of Microliter-Sized Organic Droplets for Chemical Synthesis
A. Venancio-Marques, D. Baigl*
Langmuir 2014, doi : 10.1021/la5001254
 - doi : 10.1021/la5001254