Microfluidic preparation of flexible micro-grippers with precise delivery function

Abstract

We used microfluidic technology for preparing gas–liquid Janus emulsions; we firstly proposed a one-step preparation method of micro-grippers and then characterized the function of oriented and precise delivery behavior. Because of the enrichment of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, the micro-gripper can reach a speed of 1.5 mm s⁻¹ driven by a magnetic field. The micro-gripper's body is made of a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel, a reversible temperature-responsive polymer. The thermo-sensitivity of hydrogels offers the function of grasping, to closely integrate with the target carried, ensuring the stability of the carrying process. The reversible variation of the hydrogel allows the micro-gripper to be reusable and have a long shelf life.