Research News

Redefining the Art of Matter Manipulation at the Nanoscale

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

Credit: Yan Xu, Osaka Metropolitan University

One of the great ambitions in the scientific world is to use tiny objects—such as molecules, viruses, and nanoparticles—as building blocks to construct essential macromolecules and materials, much like constructing intricate designs with Lego bricks. However, achieving this requires overcoming significant challenges. Molecules in liquid environments move randomly and at extraordinary speeds—approximately 40 times faster than Usain Bolt at peak velocity—making precise manipulation extraordinarily challenging.

To address these challenges, nanofluidic devices have emerged as a groundbreaking innovation. These advanced tools are designed with ultra-narrow channels, comparable in size to individual nanoscale objects, and leverage nanofluidic processes—such as trapping mechanisms—to suppress random motion and enable precise manipulation. This allows researchers to transport and control individual nanoscale objects, ranging from viruses to DNA and single small molecules, with extraordinary precision. By offering an unprecedented level of control, nanofluidic devices overcome existing limitations in nanoscale handling, paving the way for transformative advancements in science, engineering, and industry.

In a comprehensive review, Associate Professor Yan Xu and Dr. Nattapong Chantipmanee from Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Engineering, pioneers of the concept of "nanofluidic manipulation," explore the revolutionary potential of nanofluidic devices for manipulating individual nanometric objects. Their article highlights the core technologies driving this emerging field, including nanofluidic processing, functional integration, and precise fluidic control. By bridging diverse disciplines through innovative nanofluidic methodologies, the authors have laid a foundation for practical applications that extend well beyond current capabilities.

The researchers address critical challenges, such as the precise manipulation of molecules in solution and the seamless integration of nanofluidic devices with complementary technologies, including optical and magnetic forces. These future innovations will pave the way for molecular robotics. The potential fusion of these technologies with data science and artificial intelligence could drive a paradigm shift, revolutionizing fields such as chemistry, biology, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, and information processing. Furthermore, nanofluidic manipulation also drives faster, energy-efficient systems, fueling advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. These future innovations have the potential to create new industries, shape future technologies, and redefine the landscape of science and engineering.

Their review article, "Nanofluidic Manipulation of Single Nanometric Objects: Current Progress, Challenges, and Future Opportunities," was published in the December 2024 issue of Engineering. This comprehensive work provides a panoramic view of the field’s advancements, future challenges, and transformative potential.

"I’m thrilled that every experiment uncovers new and exciting behaviors in nanoscale levels," said Dr. Chantipmanee.

Professor Xu added, "Nanofluidic devices hold immense promise as revolutionary tools for the precise manipulation of small objects within the nanoscale world. I hope our work ignites curiosity and encourages more researchers to contribute to this emerging field."

Through their visionary insights and pioneering efforts, Professor Xu and Dr. Chantipmanee are shaping the future of nanofluidic devices, setting the stage for these tools to become indispensable.

Funding

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (JSPS KAKENHI) (JP21H04640, JP23KF0274, JP 24KF0160, JP19KK0129, JP20H00497, JP18H01848, JP16K13653, JP26706010, and JP26630403), Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (MEXT KAKENHI) (JP21H05231, JP19H04678, JP17H05468, and JP26107714), Japan Science and Technology Agency Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (JST PRESTO) (JPMJPR18H5), Core Research for Evolutionary Science and Technology (CREST) (JPMJCR18H2), and the Asahi Glass Foundation, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS)(P23374), and Development and Promotion of the Science and Technology Talents Project of Thailand (DPST532133).

Paper information

Journal: Engineering
Title: Nanofluidic Manipulation of Single Nanometric Objects: Current Progress, Challenges, and Future Opportunities
DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2024.08.021
Authors: Nattapong Chantipmanee, Yan Xu
Published: 17 September 2024
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.08.021

Contact

Yan Xu
E-mail: xuy[at]omu.ac.jp

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