Reviewed by Lexie CornerDec 12 2024
A study published in Engineering reveals that by combining different fields with innovative nanofluidic techniques, researchers have laid the foundation for practical applications that extend far beyond what is currently possible.
Revolutionizing: Nanofluidic devices enable precise manipulation of single DNA, nanoparticles, biomolecules, and small molecules through innovative techniques like processing, trapping, capturing, and manipulating. These breakthroughs open new frontiers in science, engineering, and industry. Image Credit: Yan Xu, Osaka Metropolitan University
One of the great ambitions in science is to use small objects—such as molecules, viruses, and nanoparticles—as building blocks to create complex macromolecules and materials, much like how intricate structures are built with LEGO bricks.
But this goal comes with major challenges. Molecules in liquid environments move randomly and at incredibly high speeds, making it difficult to manipulate them with precision.
To address these challenges, nanofluidic devices have emerged as a groundbreaking solution. These devices are built with ultra-narrow channels, about the size of individual nanoscale objects. They use processes like trapping mechanisms to control the random motion of molecules, allowing for precise manipulation.
This makes it possible for researchers to move and control specific nanoscale objects, from viruses to DNA and individual molecules, with remarkable accuracy. Nanofluidic devices overcome the limitations of previous methods, offering unprecedented control and opening up new possibilities for research, engineering, and industry.
This comprehensive overview touches on the latest advancements in the field, the challenges ahead, and the transformative potential of these technologies. The focus is on key innovations like nanofluidic processing, functional integration, and precise fluidic control. By integrating various disciplines with new nanofluidic techniques, researchers have laid the groundwork for applications that far exceed current capabilities.
The team also addresses crucial problems, such as manipulating molecules in solution with precision and integrating nanofluidic devices with other technologies, such as optical and magnetic forces.
These advancements are setting the stage for molecular robotics. Combining these technologies with data science and artificial intelligence could lead to a shift in how we approach fields like chemistry, biology, materials science, chemical engineering, and information processing.
Moreover, the ability to manipulate materials at the nanoscale could result in faster, more energy-efficient systems, driving progress in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. These breakthroughs have the potential to create entirely new industries, reshape future technologies, and redefine the landscape of science and engineering.
Journal Reference:
Chantipmanee, N. and Xu, Y. (2024) Nanofluidic Manipulation of Single Nanometric Objects: Current Progress, Challenges, and Future Opportunities. Engineering. doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.08.021