Eric Freeman

Inspired by the structure and functionality of natural cellular tissues, droplet interface bilayer-based materials strategically combine model membrane assembly techniques and droplet microfluidics. These structures have shown promising results in applications ranging from biological computing to chemical microrobots.

In a new invited feature article published March 9 in the journal Langmuir, researchers in the University of Georgia College of Engineering explore recent advances in the areas of construction, manipulation, and functionalization of droplet interface bilayer (DIB) networks. Eric Freeman (pictured above), an associate professor, and Michelle Makhoul-Mansour, a Ph.D. student, discuss the unique mechanics of DIB networks and focus on their lab’s contributions in the advancement of the platform. They also reflect on some of the limitations facing DIB-based materials and how those limitations might be addressed, highlighting promising applications made possible through the refinement of the material concept.

► Read the article in Langmuir