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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Microfluidic Pneumatic Cages: A Novel Approach for In-chip Crystal Trapping, Manipulation and Controlled Chemical Treatment
Published on: July 12, 2016
Nematic Liquid-Crystal Necklace Structure Made by Microfluidics System
Yoshiko Takenaka1, Miha Škarabot2, Igor Muševič2,3
1Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan.
Abstract:
We report a necklace structure made of liquid crystal dispersed in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aqueous solution, which is fabricated by a microfluidic device. In the necklace structure, liquid crystal droplets that are tens of micrometers in diameter are connected by microtethers, which are birefringent, are not penetrating the droplets, and can be elastically stretched by applying external force. The necklace structure was analyzed by fluorescent confocal microscopy, and the tethers were made of liquid crystal and PVA composite. The elastic constant of the tether was determined by using laser tweezers to stretch the tether. The Whispering Gallery Modes circulating inside individual droplets in the necklace structure were also observed.

