Liquid Marbles, Elastic Nonstick Droplets: From Minireactors to Self-Propulsion

Abstract

Liquid marbles are nonstick droplets wrapped by micro- or nanometrically scaled colloidal particles, representing a platform for a variety of chemical, biological, and microfluidics applications. Liquid marbles demonstrate elastic properties and do not coalesce when bounced or pressed. The effective surface tension and Young modulus of liquid marbles are discussed. Physical sources of the elasticity of liquid marbles are considered. Liquids and powders used for the fabrication of liquid marbles are surveyed. This feature article reviews properties and applications of liquid marbles. Liquid marbles demonstrate potential as microreactors, microcontainers for growing micro-organisms and cells, and microfluidics devices. The Marangoni-flow-driven self-propulsion of marbles supported by liquids is addressed.