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Precise surface patches on active particles of arbitrary shape through microstenciling

Author

Listed:
  • Kendra M. Kreienbrink

    (University of Colorado Boulder)

  • Zoe A. Cruse

    (University of Colorado Boulder)

  • Alisha Kumari

    (University of Colorado Boulder)

  • C. Wyatt Shields

    (University of Colorado Boulder
    University of Colorado Boulder
    University of Colorado Boulder)

Abstract

Active particles, which locally dissipate energy from their environment to function, are useful across disciplines given their dynamic and programmable behaviors. Altering particle shape or surface asymmetry has led to advancements in controlled locomotion or collective behavior for diverse applications such as microrobotics or biomedicine. However, making arbitrary active particles of precise shape and surface composition remains a significant challenge due to limitations in conventional fabrication methods. This paper introduces a fabrication technique that combines two-photon lithography with sacrificial stencil masking to deposit arbitrary metallic patches onto particles of any shape with a limit of resolution as low as 0.2 µm. Using this method, we demonstrate three varieties of active particles displaying nonconventional dynamics: electrokinetic active spheres with tunable three-dimensional motions, catalytic microdiscs with chiral axial spinning, and steric magnetic particles forming self-limiting microrobots. Overall, this high-resolution microstenciling technique offers a versatile strategy to create well-defined active particles and microrobots for numerous practical uses.

Suggested Citation

  • Kendra M. Kreienbrink & Zoe A. Cruse & Alisha Kumari & C. Wyatt Shields, 2025. "Precise surface patches on active particles of arbitrary shape through microstenciling," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61218-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61218-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jin Gyun Lee & Ada M. Brooks & William A. Shelton & Kyle J. M. Bishop & Bhuvnesh Bharti, 2019. "Directed propulsion of spherical particles along three dimensional helical trajectories," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, December.
    2. Ahyoung Kim & Thi Vo & Hyosung An & Progna Banerjee & Lehan Yao & Shan Zhou & Chansong Kim & Delia J. Milliron & Sharon C. Glotzer & Qian Chen, 2022. "Symmetry-breaking in patch formation on triangular gold nanoparticles by asymmetric polymer grafting," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Remmi Danae Baker & Thomas Montenegro-Johnson & Anton D. Sediako & Murray J. Thomson & Ayusman Sen & Eric Lauga & Igor. S. Aranson, 2019. "Shape-programmed 3D printed swimming microtori for the transport of passive and active agents," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    4. Zhe Gong & Theodore Hueckel & Gi-Ra Yi & Stefano Sacanna, 2017. "Patchy particles made by colloidal fusion," Nature, Nature, vol. 550(7675), pages 234-238, October.
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