All-aqueous multiphase systems for bio-inspired engineering of functional materials

Traditional droplet-based microfluidics refer to the use of droplets as templates for biomaterials and structures, e.g. particles, capsules, vesicles, etc., and as containers for biochemical components in high-throughput biological applications. In this presentation, we will outline a strategy to generate and use emulsion droplets that are completely aqueous. The ultra-low interfacial tension, permeability across liquid-liquid interfaces and enhanced compatibility with biological molecules lead to different dynamics in the all-aqueous platforms. In particular, the interfaces become more passive and respond to fluctuations in the surrounding fluids. Molecules can partition to the different aqueous phases to different extents. The solvent-free nature of these emulsions make them ideal as a platform for delicate biological molecules, such as proteins that denature in the presence of organic solvents. Strategies to address and utilize these unique properties will be discussed, and the potential for new applications in biomaterials will be highlighted. We believe that, the all-aqueous microfluidic platform will be an important tool towards different biomimetic fabrications.