Microdroplet Patterning: Designer Hydrophilic Regions Regulate Droplet Shape for Controlled Surface Patterning and 3D Microgel Synthesis (Small 3/2012)

The cover image shows how the shape of micro- and nanodroplets can be controlled by patterning surfaces with special hydrophilic regions surrounded by hydrophobic boundaries. Shaped droplets may be used as a simple tool to controllably pattern planar surfaces with microparticles and cells. Under spiral droplets, a gradient deposition pattern is observed. Shaped droplets of prepolymer solution may also be crosslinked to synthesize microgels with tailored 3D geometry. Finite element simulations provide a design platform by linking the shape of the hydrophilic regions to that of the droplets, microgels, and particle deposition patterns. For more information, please read the Full Paper “Designer Hydrophilic Regions Regulate Droplet Shape for Controlled Surface Patterning and 3D Microgel Synthesis” by A. Khademhosseini and co-workers, beginning on page 393.