Light-Fueled Submarine-Like Droplet.

Abstract

Flexibly and precisely manipulating 3D droplet transportation is a fundamental challenge for broad implications in diagnostics, drug delivery, bioengineering, etc. Herein, a light method is developed for manipulating a droplet to make it behave like a submarine. This light method enables flexible 3D transportation, stable suspension, and floating of a droplet, which can be freely altered. It is demonstrated that the localized photothermal effect induced thermocapillary flow in the water droplet/oil phase is responsible for energizing and manipulating the droplet. With such remarkable motility, the light‐fueled submarine‐like droplet successfully realizes various functions such as the acid‐base detection, particle capture and transportation, and target crystal collection, dissolution and transportation. It is demonstrated that the light‐fueled submarine‐like droplet shows promising perspective for long‐sought precise droplet manipulation in various applications.