Lab in a Droplet (LiD): Self-assembly method of microstructures inside a Droplet

We propose a new concept “Lab in a Droplet (LiD)” as a micro to nano scale self-assembly technique. The liquid bridge force is used for assembly of microstructures automatically. Micro/nano objects are ejected from an inkjet nozzle and they are automatically assembled inside a droplet by the liquid bridge force. In this paper, we conducted preliminary experiment to check the possibility of LiD. The experimental results show that the self-assembly of micro structures can be achieved in a droplet. A microstructure and microbeads were ejected simultaneously from the inkjet nozzle and assembled inside the droplet. The results indicate that the micro assembly can be realized less than the droplet size accuracy by LiD. The method can be also applied for nano-scale assembly by reducing the droplet size in several pico litters.