New York University

Stefano Sacanna

Paul Michael Chaikin

David Pine

William Irvine

Theodore Hueckel

Jeremie Palacci

A method comprises providing an aqueous solution having an alkaline pH and providing an oil including at least one silsesquioxane compound. The oil is added to the aqueous solution. The oil forms a plurality of silsesquioxane oil droplets suspended in the aqueous solution such that an internal osmotic pressure is generated inside the oil droplets via a chemical reaction. The aqueous solution is allowed to osmotically diffuse into the plurality of oil droplets for a predetermined time. The silsesquioxane oil droplets are polymerized by cross-linking the at least one silsesquioxane compound included in the silsesquioxane oil droplets to form a plurality of solidified microcapsules containing the aqueous solution therewithin.

Self-inflating microcapsules

A self-assembling structure using non-equilibrium driving forces leading to 'living crystals' and other maniputable particles with a complex dynamics. The dynamic self-assembly assembly results from a competition between self-propulsion of particles and an attractive interaction between the particles. As a result of non-equilibrium driving forces, the crystals form, grow, collide, anneal, repair themselves and spontaneously self-destruct, thereby enabling reconfiguration and assembly to achieve a desired property.

Self assembled particles

A method and system for assembling building blocks of colloidal particles and also for shaping of colloids for self-assembly for manufacturing, processing and formation of compositions of matter. A first type of particle is selected as a 'key' particle constructed to mate with a 'lock' particle, the binding arising from depletion forces. A variety of shapes can be used to carry out this method and system to create compositions of matter. Colloids can be shaped by controlled deformation of multiphase colloid particles.

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Brooklyn, NY, United States of America

Stefano Sacanna