Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Computer Simulations of Soft Responsive Gels with Embedded Regular Arrangements of Stiff Fibers.

Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids·2026
Same author

Chemical signaling in reaction networks generates corresponding mechanical impulses.

PNAS nexus·2025
Same author

A functionally complete logic gate in a soft photoresponsive hydrogel.

Nature communications·2025
Same author

Controlling the Dynamic Behavior of Microposts in Solution via Diffusion-Convection.

Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids·2025
Same author

Fluid mediated communication among flexible micro-posts in chemically reactive solutions.

Materials horizons·2024
Same author

Programming Fluid Motion Using Multi-Enzyme Micropump Systems.

ACS applied materials & interfaces·2024

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Manufacturing of Three-dimensionally Microstructured Nanocomposites through Microfluidic Infiltration
14:24

Manufacturing of Three-dimensionally Microstructured Nanocomposites through Microfluidic Infiltration

Published on: March 12, 2014

12.4K

Engineering confined fluids to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures.

Oleg E Shklyaev1, Abhrajit Laskar1, Anna C Balazs1

  • 1Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O'Hara Street Benedum Hall of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.

PNAS Nexus
|July 27, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Researchers demonstrate how fluid dynamics in microchambers can autonomously assemble 2D pieces into complex 3D structures. This self-organization process offers a low-cost method for mass-producing microscale objects for potential biomedical applications.

More Related Videos

Manipulating Living Cells to Construct Stable 3D Cellular Assembly Without Artificial Scaffold
07:09

Manipulating Living Cells to Construct Stable 3D Cellular Assembly Without Artificial Scaffold

Published on: October 26, 2018

6.2K
Micropatterning and Assembly of 3D Microvessels
13:05

Micropatterning and Assembly of 3D Microvessels

Published on: September 9, 2016

11.8K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Manufacturing of Three-dimensionally Microstructured Nanocomposites through Microfluidic Infiltration
14:24

Manufacturing of Three-dimensionally Microstructured Nanocomposites through Microfluidic Infiltration

Published on: March 12, 2014

12.4K
Manipulating Living Cells to Construct Stable 3D Cellular Assembly Without Artificial Scaffold
07:09

Manipulating Living Cells to Construct Stable 3D Cellular Assembly Without Artificial Scaffold

Published on: October 26, 2018

6.2K
Micropatterning and Assembly of 3D Microvessels
13:05

Micropatterning and Assembly of 3D Microvessels

Published on: September 9, 2016

11.8K

Area of Science:

  • Fluid dynamics
  • Self-organization
  • Microfabrication

Background:

  • Chemical and mechanical behaviors in fluid-filled microchambers are coupled.
  • Fluids can autonomously perform work to organize immersed objects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate fluid-driven self-organization of 2D components into 3D structures.
  • To explore the use of combined diffusioosmotic and buoyancy flows for controlled assembly.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical modeling and computational simulations were employed.
  • Analysis of coupled diffusioosmotic and buoyancy-driven fluid flows.

Main Results:

  • Independently controlled fluid flows were generated by confining surfaces and bulk solution.
  • The fluid autonomously assembled disconnected 2D pieces onto sticky bases.
  • Resulting layers were folded into regular 3D shapes like pyramids, tetrahedrons, and cubes.

Conclusions:

  • The fluid performs the construction work, minimizing the need for external machinery.
  • Parallelized, low-cost mass production of 3D microstructures is achievable.
  • Aqueous-formed structures are compatible with biological environments, suggesting potential in medical and biochemical applications.