NSF-DFG Confine: Sculpting Confined Fluids for Transport using Self-Organization and Information Transfer

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Eva Blasco, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Andreas Walther
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation ; Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 509281801

We will create “active”, self-organizing fluidic systems that undergo biomimetic energy transduction, converting energy from reactions into mechanical forces, which trigger the spontaneous motion of the confined fluid. To realize this rich dynamic behavior, we will anchor enzymes to 3D-printed patch arrays in fluid-filled microchambers. Appropriate reactants activate the catalytic reactions, which release the chemical energy to “pump” and “sculpt” the fluid flow, modulate fluid-post interactions, drive self-organization, as well as propagate chemical signals throughout the system. We will also introduce upstream signal-processing computational layers to structure enzyme patterns, use patch-selective growth to modulate inter-patch distances, and introduce mobile microcarriers that selectively release chemicals. This will allow us to further orchestrate chemo-mechanical interactions and control the spatiotemporal features of the fluid flow. The spontaneous motion and signaling endow these fluidic platforms with viable mechanisms for achieving life-like functionality in materials systems. In our collaborative work plan, WP1 concentrates on multi-material 3D microprinting of the microfluidic systems, WP2 targets active pumping mechanisms enabled by enzymes on surfaces and deformable posts, and WP3 implements a superimposed self-organizing signal patterning process at the post arrays, arising from DNA strand displacement reaction networks, which can then be coupled to active pumping by enzymes and sculpting of fluid flows. Our approach exploits the rich dynamics within fluid-filled chambers containing catalyst-coated patches, posts, and chemically induced motion and self-organization. Through the combined studies, we will pinpoint the fundamental effects of molecular-scale chemistry on microscale flow of confined fluids, and, conversely, the effect of microscopic flow on chemical kinetics in microchambers. Few individual groups have the expertise and instrumentation to probe the effects of chemo-mechanical transduction in confined fluids in combination with chemically-driven self-organization. This collaboration allows us to: fabricate systems at the desired size scales (Blasco, Heidelberg), chemically tailor the systems to perform systematic studies (Sen, Penn State and Walther, Mainz) and develop predictive models (Balazs, Pittsburgh). Each group requires synergistic interactions with the others to make dramatic advances in active microfluidics, flow chemistry, and theoretical modeling. Looking to the future, the (self-)regulation of fluid flow and transport across length scales in response to specific signals is critical for realizing the next generation smart micro- & nano-scale devices for efficient, and autonomous modes of chemical synthesis, sensing, and delivery. Since flow and feedback are non-equilibrium processes, these studies will also provide new platforms for probing relationships among structure, dynamics, and non-equilibrium behavior.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: USA
• Partner Organisation: National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Cooperation Partners: Professorin Dr. Anna Christina Balazs, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Ayusman Sen