journal article·2026-02

Precise Morphological Control of DNA Crystals Through Concentration‐Modulated Microfluidic Droplets

Xugen Chen, Lebing Wang, Jun Luo, Xinqi Chen, Jia Liu, Huanhuan Hu, Feng Zhou, Jiantao Zhang

Small· Volume 22· Issue 10
Publisher page

Abstract

ABSTRACT The lack of control over macroscopic crystal morphology and quantity in traditional DNA crystallization methods has hindered detailed investigation of DNA crystals. Here, we present a novel approach to synthesize high‐quality single crystals with precisely defined morphology using proportional encapsulation within microfluidic double emulsion droplet (DED) microreactors. The concentration of crystallization habit modifier within each microreactor can be precisely tuned by adjusting the flow rates of solutions in two coaxial channels, enabling regulation of the macroscopic crystal morphology. This platform allows for the precise regulation of DNA crystal self‐assembly, supporting both directional macroscopic growth (longitudinal or transverse) and the fabrication of rhombohedral crystals with controllable aspect ratios ranging from 5.94 to 1.10. This novel method for producing high‐quality single DNA crystals significantly expands their applicability in microengineering and enables in‐depth investigations of crystallization kinetics.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation · Crystallization and Solubility Studies · Electrowetting and Microfluidic Technologies

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Laboratory of Advanced Theranostic Materials and Technology Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences Ningbo China

Ningbo Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering Ningbo China

University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China

College of Pharmaceutical Science Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · National Key Research and Development Program of China · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation

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