Development of a capillary force manipulation technique using probes with hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces

Abstract

This study describes the development of a new probe that uses a combination of hydrophilic (acrylic) and hydrophobic (PTFE) surfaces to improve object micromanipulation based on capillary force. By using materials with different wettability for the inner and outer surfaces of the probe, the goal is to control the capillary force by only changing the volume of the droplet between the probe and the object. Therefore, the detachment of objects is more convenient as this new method eliminates the need to supply water below the object. Results show that the forces generated during the gripping and detaching process have a significant difference in magnitude. This new probe is highly applicable for stable micromanipulation without causing any damage to the object.