Abstract
We report a new platform technology to systematically assemble droplet interface bilayer (DIB) networks in user-defined 3D architectures from cell-sized droplets using optical tweezers. Our OptiDIB platform is the first demonstration of optical trapping to precisely construct 3D DIB networks, paving the way for the development of a new generation of modular bio-systems.
Highlights
We report a new platform technology to systematically assemble droplet interface bilayer (DIB) networks in user-defined 3D architectures from cell-sized droplets using optical tweezers
Our optically assembled DIB (OptiDIB) platform is the first demonstration of optical trapping to precisely construct 3D DIB networks, paving the way for the development of a new generation of modular bio-systems
There have been advances concerning the development of DIB networks that operate in physiological environments, using micropipetting[13,14] and microfluidic technologies.[34]. This is significant in the context of synthetic biology as it supports the concept that these microdroplet networks could be used to form minimal cells, micro-reactor networks, biological circuits, smart biomaterials and minimal tissues.[8]. To fully realise this goal, it is desirable for DIB generation strategies to have: (i) high spatial and temporal resolution for the manipulation of cell-sized microdroplets (ii) the flexibility to assemble any user-defined network either in 2D or in 3D (iii) the capability of addressing and discriminating between heterogeneous droplets to enable the assembly of complex DIB networks from multiple droplet types
Summary
We report a new platform technology to systematically assemble droplet interface bilayer (DIB) networks in user-defined 3D architectures from cell-sized droplets using optical tweezers. The technique works by supplying lipids to either the water droplets (lipid-in) or the surrounding oil medium (lipid-out) and allowing time for the lipid monomers to assemble at the water–oil interface prior to positioning the microdroplets into contact.[1] To this effect, droplet manipulation has been achieved using a variety of different methods including manually[2] or robotically[3] controlled micromanipulators, compressible PDMS substrates,[4] a/c electrokinetics,[5] and microfluidics.[6]
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