Self-generated motion of droplets induced by Korteweg force

Abstract

Phase-separating droplets exhibit self-generated motion depending on the composition of the constituent solution of a biocompatible material, aqueous two phase system. For higher concentrations than the equilibrium concentration, a droplet moved unidirectionally even in a homogeneous concentration field. For lower concentrations, the droplets hardly moved. The translational motion we observed is an effect of convection caused by Korteweg force. © 2010 The Chemical Society of Japan.