Design and motion control of self-propelled droplets

We reported a new oil droplet system that was autonomously driven by the energy of oil-water interactions, and its motion control. Two factors influenced droplet motion: the force from the ejection of products and the effect of convective flows following the chemical reaction of an anhydride in hexamethylenediamine solution. The micro- to milliscale oil droplets moved along designed flow channels by deforming in an amoeboid motion. Also, we specifically demonstrated their motions in microfluidic channels. Such droplets offer considerable potential for use as transportable actuators.