Printed polymer platform empowering machine-assisted chemical synthesis in stacked droplets

Abstract

Efficiently exploring organic molecules through multi-step processes demands a transition from conventional laboratory synthesis to automated systems. Existing platforms for machine-assistant synthetic workflows compatible with multiple liquid-phases require substantial engineering investments for setup, thereby hindering quick customization and throughput increasement. Here we present a droplet-based chip that facilitates the self-organization of various liquid phases into stacked layers for conducting chemical transformations. The chip’s precision polymer printing capability, enabled by digital micromirror device (DMD)-maskless photolithography and dual post-chemical modifications, allows it to create customized, sub-10 µm featured patterns to confine diverse liquids, regardless of density, within each droplet. The robustness and open design of surface-templated liquid layers actualize machine-assistant droplet manipulation, synchronous reaction triggering, local oscillation, and real-time monitoring of individual layers into a reality. We propose that, with further integration of machine operation line and self-learning, this droplet-based platform holds the potential to become a valuable addition to the toolkit of chemistry process, operating autonomously and with high-throughput.