Remote control droplets merge on command to perform reactions

Droplet magnetic assembly

Source: © 2018 Macmillan Publishers Ltd

Responsive surfactants offer new ways to control chemical processes

The creation of a surfactant system that uses light, magnetism and electrostatics to move liquid droplets around has enabled them to be assembled into structures, rotate like mechanical gears and fuse together. The work offers tantalising possibilities, including microreactors with unprecedented control of reactions or light-guided inks for 3D printing.