Reconfigurable Microfluidics with Metallic Containers

We describe a microfluidic scheme based on remotely controlled self-assembled containers that allows spatio-temporal control over nanoliter scale chemical reactions. We discuss finite element simulations of the inductive coupling of radio frequency radiation to the containers; this coupling enables remotely triggered release of chemical reactants. We demonstrate on-demand chemical release from stationary and mobile containers patterned with different porosities. We also explore reactions between chemicals released from two containers that form liquid products and deposit solid precipitates. We argue that these remotely controlled metallic containers provide an attractive platform for carrying out reconfigurable microfluidics “without channels”.