Abstract: Provided are new classes of reconfigurable, multistable metasurfaces using the physics of colloids confined within nematic liquid crystals (NLCs). The colloids are physically moved from one stable location to another as defined by NLC-colloid interactions by external switching fields. These colloids can be scatterers within reconfigurable metasurfaces with electromagnetic (EM) responses that change with colloid location. because the colloids are moved between stable loci, these metasurfaces are also multistable, and require energy input only when changing colloid position. Furthermore, because the colloids can be returned to their original positions by simply reversing the switching field, all changes in EM responses are entirely reversible.

Abstract: Systems, comprising: an aqueous medium, the aqueous medium having an amount of DNA disposed therein, the aqueous medium having one or more RNA polymerases disposed therein; and a non-aqueous medium. Methods, the methods comprising operating a system according to the present disclosure, so as to give rise to an RNA product disposed in the non-aqueous medium. Methods, comprising: with an RNA polymerase in an aqueous medium, effecting synthesis of an RNA product from template DNA, and selectively transferring the RNA product to a non-aqueous medium.

Abstract: This disclosure demonstrates a new method to produce three dimensional multiphasic structures, including bijels, via vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS). In VIPS, the evaporation of the co-solvent from a ternary mixture of oil, water and ethanol, induces phase separation. Particles present in the mixture attach to the interface and arrest the phase separation between water and oil. VIPS enables, inter alia, the fabrication of films and coatings via spreading or spraying particle-laden suspension onto a surface without the need for an outer aqueous phase.

Abstract: This disclosure demonstrates a new method to produce three dimensional multiphasic structures, including bijels, via vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS). In VIPS, the evaporation of the co-solvent from a ternary mixture of oil, water and ethanol, induces phase separation. Particles present in the mixture attach to the interface and arrest the phase separation between water and oil. VIPS enables, inter alia, the fabrication of films and coatings via spreading or spraying particle-laden suspension onto a surface without the need for an outer aqueous phase.

Abstract: Provided are compositions that include a nematic colloid, the nematic colloid comprising a nematic liquid crystal and a key colloid; and a lock colloid, the lock colloid optionally having at least two arms extending therefrom, the lock colloid being configured for assembly with the key colloid of the nematic colloid, the assembly optionally being mediated by a dipole interaction between the colloid and the lock colloid, by a disinclination line of the nematic colloid, or any combination thereof. Also provided are related methods. The disclosed compositions and methods can be used to, e.g., assemble chain and lattice structures from the key colloids by exploiting disinclination lines and dipole defects of the components of the compositions.

Abstract: Methods for colloidal particle manipulation mediated by an elastic fluid responsive to changes in boundary conditions, including methods of controlling motion of colloidal particles using wavy wall boundary conditions. Methods for driving transitions in topological defect configurations of colloidal particles using wavy wall boundary conditions.

Abstract: Mesogenic compounds having a structure of Formula (I), (II) or (III): where A, B, X1, L, TG, m, and n are defined as in claim 1. Compositions containing these compounds, articles made from these polymerized and prepolymerized compositions, and methods of estimating the elastic constants and anchoring constants of a liquid crystal materials and mapping topological defect structures in liquid crystals using these compounds.

Abstract: Provided are compositions that include a nematic colloid, the nematic colloid comprising a nematic liquid crystal and a key colloid; and a lock colloid, the lock colloid optionally having at least two arms extending therefrom, the lock colloid being configured for assembly with the key colloid of the nematic colloid, the assembly optionally being mediated by a dipole interaction between the colloid and the lock colloid, by a disinclination line of the nematic colloid, or any combination thereof. Also provided are related methods. The disclosed compositions and methods can be used to, e.g., assemble chain and lattice structures from the key colloids by exploiting disinclination lines and dipole defects of the components of the compositions.

Abstract: A method of making a bijel includes dispersing surface-active nanoparticles in a ternary liquid mixture. The ternary liquid mixture includes a hydrophilic liquid, a hydrophobic liquid, and a solvent. The ternary liquid mixture is contacted with water. A bijel includes a stable mixture of two immiscible liquids separated by an interfacial layer of colloidal particles. The bijel has temperature-independent stability, and the domain sizes are below one micrometer.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a microcapsule includes a film encapsulating a material. The film is formed by complexation of at least two mutually attractive components initially present in an aqueous dispersion comprising a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The at least one first component is initially present in the continuous phase and the at least one second component is initially present in the dispersed phase. According to another aspect of the invention, provided is a process for forming microcapsules including the step of injecting a dispersed phase having at least a first component into a continuous phase having at least a second component, where the first component and the second component are mutually attractive, such that a film is formed by complexation of the first charged component and the second charged component.

Abstract: In one aspects of the invention, a microcapsule includes a film encapsulating a material. The film is formed by complexation of at least two mutually attractive components initially present in an aqueous dispersion comprising a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The at least one first component is initially present in the continuous phase and the at least one second component is initially present in the dispersed phase. According to another aspect of the invention, provided is a process for forming microcapsules including the step of injecting a dispersed phase having at least a first component into a continuous phase having at least a second component, where the first component and the second component are mutually attractive, such that a film is formed by complexation of the first charged component and the second charged component.

Abstract: A method of making a bijel includes dispersing surface-active nanoparticles in a ternary liquid mixture. The ternary liquid mixture includes a hydrophilic liquid, a hydrophobic liquid, and a solvent. The ternary liquid mixture is contacted with water. A bijel includes a stable mixture of two immiscible liquids separated by an interfacial layer of colloidal particles. The bijel has temperature-independent stability, and the domain sizes are below one micrometer.

Abstract: Provided are Janus particles derived from natural starting materials, including starting materials that are plant-based and are not based on petrochemicals. Also provided are related compositions that include the disclosed particles, including emulsion compositions. Additionally provided are methods of synthesizing the disclosed Janus particles.

Abstract: This disclosure demonstrates a new method to produce three dimensional multiphasic structures, including bijels, via vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS). In VIPS, the evaporation of the co-solvent from a ternary mixture of oil, water and ethanol, induces phase separation. Particles present in the mixture attach to the interface and arrest the phase separation between water and oil. VIPS enables, inter alia, the fabrication of films and coatings via spreading or spraying particle-laden suspension onto a surface without the need for an outer aqueous phase.

Abstract: Methods for colloidal particle manipulation mediated by an elastic fluid responsive to changes in boundary conditions, including methods of controlling motion of colloidal particles using wavy wall boundary conditions are provided. Additionally, methods for driving transitions in topological defect configurations of colloidal particles using wavy wall boundary conditions are provided.

Abstract: Adhesive hydrogels comprising a (co)polymer matrix, wherein the adhesive hydrogel comprises at least one rough surface as well as processes for preparing such hydrogels are disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspects of the invention, a microcapsule includes a film encapsulating a material. The film is formed by complexation of at least two mutually attractive components initially present in an aqueous dispersion comprising a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The at least one first component is initially present in the continuous phase and the at least one second component is initially present in the dispersed phase. According to another aspect of the invention, provided is a process for forming microcapsules including the step of injecting a dispersed phase having at least a first component into a continuous phase having at least a second component, where the first component and the second component are mutually attractive, such that a film is formed by complexation of the first charged component and the second charged component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to mesogenic compounds having a structure of Formula (I), (II) or (III): where A, B, X1, L, TG, m, and n are defined herein, and compositions containing these compounds, as well as articles made from such polymerized and prepolymerized compositions and methods of estimating the elastic constants and anchoring constants of a liquid crystal materials and mapping topological defect structures in liquid crystals using these compounds.

Abstract: A method of making a bijel includes dispersing surface-active nanoparticles in a ternary liquid mixture. The ternary liquid mixture includes a hydrophilic liquid, a hydrophobic liquid, and a solvent. The ternary liquid mixture is contacted with water. A bijel includes a stable mixture of two immiscible liquids separated by an interfacial layer of colloidal particles. The bijel has temperature-independent stability, and the domain sizes are below one micrometer.