Integrated Generation and Manipulation of Microcapsules via Optically Induced Dielectrophoresis

Microcapsules have a wide range of applications in the medical field, but their fabrication process is often complicated and inefficient. This study presents a method that uses polystyrene (PS) microspheres and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) to achieve both particle positioning and polymerization in a single step through optically induced dielectrophoresis (ODEP), enabling the fabrication of microcapsules with different shapes. The maximum speed and dielectrophoretic force of 1 and 10 μm PS microspheres are investigated in solutions with different PEGDA concentrations and frequencies. After the PS microspheres are collected, the polymerization reaction of PEGDA is completed in the original solution. In addition, by extending the irradiation time of the light source, the self-folding of the two-dimensional capsule is induced, thereby producing a capsule with particles for a tubular three-dimensional shape. This innovation holds promise for various applications in the targeted treatment of diseases and medical diagnosis.