We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Novel Fluidic Nanodevices Created by Liquid 3D Printing

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 May 2019
Researchers have used a novel three-dimensional (3D) printing technique to create an all-liquid fluidic device that is capable performing a wide range of applications - from making battery materials to screening drug candidates.

Systems comprised of immiscible liquids held in non-equilibrium shapes by the interfacial assembly and jamming of nanoparticle-polymer surfactants have significant potential to advance catalysis, chemical separations, energy storage, and conversion. More...
However, directing spatial functionality within them and coupling processes in both phases has remained a challenge.

Investigators at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (CA, USA) exploited nanoclay-polymer surfactant assemblies at an oil-water interface to produce a semi-permeable membrane between the liquids. Flow channels were fabricated using micropatterned two-dimensional (2D) substrates and liquid-in-liquid three-dimensional printing. The anionic walls of the device were functionalized with cationic small molecules, enzymes, and colloidal nanocrystal catalysts. Three-dimensional printing was used to build bridges between channels, connecting them so that a chemical flowing through them encountered catalysts in a specific order, setting off a cascade of chemical reactions to make specific chemical compounds.

The investigators reported in the March 6, 2019, online edition of the journal Nature Communications that multi-step chemical transformations could be conducted within the channels under flow, as could selective mass transport across the liquid-liquid interface for in-line separations. Ultimately, these all-liquid systems were automated using pumps, detectors, and control systems, revealing a latent ability for chemical logic and learning.

"What we demonstrated is remarkable. Our three-dimensional printed device can be programmed to carry out multistep, complex chemical reactions on demand," said senior author Dr. Brett Helms, staff scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. "What is even more amazing is that this versatile platform can be reconfigured to efficiently and precisely combine molecules to form very specific products, such as organic battery materials. The form and functions of these devices are only limited by the imagination of the researcher. Autonomous synthesis is an emerging area of interest in the chemistry and materials communities, and our technique for three-dimensional printing devices for all-liquid flow chemistry could help to play an important role in establishing the field."

Related Links:
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory


Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
Gold Member
Veterinary Hematology Analyzer
Exigo H400
New
Uric Acid Meter
PA-16
New
Shaking Incubator
Corning LSE 71L
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: New biomarkers could someday make it easy to spot Parkinson’s disease in a patient’s blood sample (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Unique Blood-Based Genetic Signature Can Diagnose Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease is primarily recognized for its impact on the central nervous system. Recent scientific progress has shifted focus to understanding the involvement of the immune system in the onset... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Custom hardware and software for the real-time detection of immune cell biophysical signatures in NICU (Photo courtesy of Pediatric Research, DOI:10.1038/s41390-025-03952-y)

First-Of-Its-Kind Device Profiles Newborns' Immune Function Using Single Blood Drop

Premature infants are highly susceptible to severe and life-threatening conditions, such as sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Newborn sepsis, which is a bloodstream infection occurring in the... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The new tool is designed for accurate detection of structural variations in clinical samples (Photo courtesy of Karen Arnott/EMBL-EBI and Isabel Romero Calvo/EMBL)

ML Algorithm Accurately Identifies Cancer-Specific Structural in Long-Read DNA Sequencing Data

Long-read sequencing technologies are designed to analyze long, continuous stretches of DNA, offering significant potential to enhance researchers' abilities to detect complex genetic changes in cancer genomes.... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Concept of biosensor integrated into hygiene pads enabling direct semi-quantitative analysis of biomarkers in unprocessed menstruation blood (Photo courtesy of Dosnon, L et al. DOI: 10.1002/advs.202505170)

First Ever Technology Recognizes Disease Biomarkers Directly in Menstrual Blood in Sanitary Towels

Over 1.8 billion people menstruate worldwide, yet menstrual blood has been largely overlooked in medical practice. This blood contains hundreds of proteins, many of which correlate with their concentration... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.