Pith. sign in

REVIEW 3 major objections 7 minor 106 references

Application of Optical Tweezers in the Study of Emulsions for Multiple Applications

T0 review · 3 major / 7 minor · reviewed 2026-08-12 · deepseek-v4-flash

Challenge this review Re-run · record.json Download PDF Read on arXiv ↗ Review JSON

Pith's one-line read The review argues that optical tweezers are now the preferred experimental route to understanding emulsion dynamics at the single-droplet level, and that the technique is moving toward wider, lower-cost use.

desk verdict Useful, honest survey of optical tweezers for emulsion studies, but the abstract's 'preferred method' claim outruns the demonstrated evidence and Eq. (8) has a real typo. read the letter →

arxiv 2411.09245 v1 pith:JIG6LTMX submitted 2024-11-14 physics.optics

Qifei Ma , Huaizhou Jin , Xiaoxiao Shang , Tamas Pardy , Ott Scheler , Simona Bartkova , Dan Cojoc , Denis Garoli
show 1 more author
Shangzhong Jin
This is my paper · ORCID
classification physics.optics
keywords opticaltweezersemulsionsemulsionstabilitydropletaggregationcoalescenceswitchableDLVOtheorysingle-dropletforcemeasurement
verification ladder T0 review T1 audit T2 compute T3 formal

The pith

A machine-rendered reading of the paper's core claim, the machinery that carries it, and where it could break.

The reading

This review argues that optical tweezers have become the preferred way to study emulsions at the scale of single droplets, and that the main questions in emulsion science can now be addressed with a laser trap. It surveys experiments in which droplets are held, moved, deformed, brought together, and made to coalesce or separate on command, with the interaction force measured directly between one pair of droplets at a time. The authors also compare instrument designs and cost, treating wider access to the technology as a realistic goal. If the review's picture is right, optical tweezers supply a quantitative microscale bridge between single-pair interaction forces and macroscopic emulsion stability.

What carries the argument

The load-bearing tool is the single-beam gradient force optical trap, a tightly focused laser beam that acts as a Hookean spring on a dielectric droplet: $F=-k_{\mathrm{trap}}x$, with the trap stiffness calibrated by equipartition or power-spectrum methods. The review's force-measurement capabilities rest on the dual-beam version, in which one droplet is held in a steerable trap and brought toward a second droplet in a fixed trap while the displacement of each is tracked. Interpretation of the resulting force curves is carried by DLVO theory, which sums van der Waals attraction and electric double-layer repulsion, with non-DLVO terms such as steric, depletion, bridging, and hydrophobic interactions added as needed.

What would settle it

Take an emulsion stabilized by a single surfactant, measure pair-interaction force curves with dual-trap optical tweezers, and check whether the extracted DLVO parameters predict the measured coalescence or creaming rate of the same emulsion at industrial concentration; if the single-pair forces do not predict bulk stability, the claim that optical tweezers are the preferred route to emulsion dynamics is undercut.

Watch

Extended reading notes

Core claim

The central claim of this review is that optical tweezers have become the preferred method for studying how emulsions behave at the scale of individual droplets. The review assembles evidence that a focused laser beam can hold a dielectric droplet in solution, bring two droplets into controlled contact, measure the force between them with sensitivity in the 0.1–200 pN range, and do all of this while imaging the droplets in real time. On the strength of that evidence, the authors assert that optical tweezers are the method of choice for droplets below about 10 micrometers in diameter, complementing atomic force microscopy at larger sizes and magnetic tweezers for lower-force measurements. They also argue that this capability now covers the main questions in emulsion science: stability, aggregation, coalescence, and responsive demulsification, with instrumentation converging on a standard optical path that is becoming cheaper and more accessible.

Load-bearing premise

The review assumes that force data obtained on dilute, near-ideal model droplets (roughly 2–10 µm, stabilized by one surfactant or polymer) transfer to real industrial emulsions, which are concentrated, polydisperse, stabilized by compound or mixed emulsifiers, and often water-in-oil.

Editorial extensions

If this is right

  • Pair-force curves obtained by optical tweezers can be fitted with DLVO theory to yield Debye length, surface charge, and depletion-force magnitudes, turning single-droplet measurements into quantitative stability parameters.
  • Temperature-controlled optical tweezers can watch partially crystalline fat droplets aggregate and partially coalesce in real time, informing food-processing conditions such as churning and freezing.
  • Switchable emulsions can be studied at the single-pair level, so the molecular trigger for demulsification becomes visible as a measured change in repulsive force.
  • Because most published optical tweezer setups share the same basic optical path, low-cost and open-source versions are plausible for the emulsion field.

Reading between the lines

Editorial extensions of the paper, not claims the author makes directly.

  • Editorial extension: microfluidic generation of monodisperse droplets with compound emulsifiers would let optical tweezer pair-force measurements be tested against bulk emulsion stability directly, addressing the gap the paper acknowledges for mixed emulsifiers.
  • Editorial extension: because the paper identifies the water-in-oil refractive-index mismatch as a blocker for trapping, vortex or donut beams that trap low-index particles offer a testable route into water-in-oil droplet microfluidics.
  • Editorial extension: coupling optical tweezer force curves with automated analysis could turn single-pair measurements into statistical distributions, addressing the low-throughput and reproducibility limitations the authors list.
Share X Bluesky LinkedIn Reddit HN

Signed reviews

No signed human review yet.

Editorial analysis

A structured set of objections, weighed in public.

Desk editor's note, referee report, and a circularity audit.

Referee Report

3 major / 7 minor

Summary. This manuscript is a review of the use of optical tweezers (OTs) in emulsion research. It introduces the ray-optics theory of trapping, trap calibration, and DLVO/non-DLVO interaction forces; then surveys applications in droplet manipulation, emulsion stability, aggregation and coalescence, and switchable/responsive emulsions. It also compares instrumentation setups (Table 1), discusses experimental limitations, and outlines an outlook. The authors argue that OTs have become the preferred method for studying emulsion dynamics, particularly for single-droplet manipulation, direct force measurement between pairs of droplets, and real-time observation of coalescence and demulsification.

Significance. The review is useful and timely for researchers entering the field. Its strengths include a clear taxonomy of emulsion-related OT applications, a tabulated instrumentation comparison with component counts and cost considerations, an explicit discussion of experimental limitations (throughput, adhesion, reproducibility, W/O trapping), and a candid acknowledgment of open problems such as compound/mixed emulsifiers and stimuli-responsive systems. If the scope claims are qualified and the DLVO formulas corrected, the manuscript can serve as a practical entry point to OT-based emulsion studies. It does not present new experimental data or code, but it compiles the state of the art and identifies a concrete gap analysis.

major comments (3)
  1. [Abstract and Outlook] The abstract states that OTs 'have emerged as the preferred method for studying emulsion dynamics,' and the title promises 'Multiple Applications.' The evidence presented in the body concerns dilute, monodisperse oil-in-water droplets of 2–10 µm stabilized by a single surfactant or polymer; several interaction-force studies are on silica particles rather than droplets (Refs. [47], [53], [86]). The limitations section states that W/O droplets generally cannot be trapped because the water phase has a lower refractive index than oil, and the Outlook concedes that compound/mixed-emulsifier interfaces have not been investigated with OTs. The abstract and title should therefore be qualified, for example 'a powerful tool for studying model oil-in-water emulsions,' and the transferability gap should be stated explicitly in the abstract rather than only in the Outlook.
  2. [Theory of emulsion stability, Eqs. (6)–(8)] Eq. (8) is missing the square root in the Debye length: as written, κ^{-1} = ε0 εr kBT/(2×10³ N_A e² I) has dimensions m² rather than m and is inconsistent with Eq. (13). It should be κ^{-1} = [ε0 εr kBT/(2×10³ N_A e² I)]^{1/2}. Eq. (6) gives the sphere–plane van der Waals force coefficient; for two equal spheres of radius R the Derjaguin limit is F_VDW ≈ -A_H R/(12h²), not -A_H R/(6h²). Eq. (7) should also be checked against its source: with Z defined by Eq. (10), it reduces to 2π ε ξ² (1+κR)²/(Rκ) exp(-κh), which differs from the commonly used DLVO two-sphere expression 2π ε κ R ξ² exp(-κh) except in the κR >> 1 limit. Please correct, or explicitly source, Eq. (7) and state the regime of validity.
  3. [Applications, stability subsection (oleic acid discussion)] The text states that 'the force of roughly 100 nN applied by the optical tweezers was not strong enough' to cause oleic acid particles to coalesce. This is inconsistent with the force range for OT stated earlier in the Introduction (0.1–200 pN) and with the physical limits of single-beam optical traps; 100 nN should presumably read 100 pN. Please verify against Ref. [62] and correct the unit, as this affects the quantitative message of that paragraph.
minor comments (7)
  1. [Eqs. (1)–(2)] The typesetting contains duplicated 'cos cos' and 'sin sin' terms; these should be replaced with the standard Ashkin expressions for the scattering and gradient force components.
  2. [Eq. (13)] Eq. (13) lacks units; specify that c_bulk is in mol/L and note that the coefficient 0.304 applies to water at approximately 25 °C.
  3. [References and names] The text refers to 'Mahdy et al [49]' but the reference is Elmahdy et al.; similarly, 'Julie et al [56]' and 'Ola et al [70]' should be 'Nilsen-Nygaard et al.' and 'Aarøen et al.' to match the reference list.
  4. [Table 1] Table 1 has formatting problems, for example the objective entry for Ref. [89] reads '9 6 0x', and the JPK image credit should be presented as a formal figure credit rather than an inline parenthetical note.
  5. [Language and typos] Throughout the text, 'OT-technology' should be 'OT technology', 'OT-s' should be 'OTs', 'micro-rheology' should be 'micro-rheology', and 'PH' should be 'pH'.
  6. [Section 4.1, manipulation of emulsion droplets] The paragraphs describing PTFE-coated physical tweezers and acoustic tweezers concern non-optical manipulation; one clarifying sentence should explain how these approaches relate to the OT-based scope of the review.
  7. [Figure 7B] The text refers to 'rapid beads' in the caption of Figure 7B; this should be 'silica beads' or 'polystyrene beads' as appropriate.

Circularity Check

0 steps flagged · score 0.0 of 10

No circularity: this is a literature review whose claims rest on external experimental studies, with no fitted parameter renamed as a prediction and no load-bearing self-citation.

full rationale

The paper is a review of optical-tweezer applications to emulsions, not a derivation of new results. Its central claim that optical tweezers are a preferred or promising method for studying emulsion dynamics is supported by citations to independent experimental studies (e.g., Refs. [12], [56], [57], [70]) that report force measurements on droplets and colloids. There is no quantity fitted to data and then presented as a prediction; the DLVO equations and trap-force equations are standard textbook relations, not outputs of the review's own analysis. The only overlapping-author citation identifiable in the text is Garbin et al. 2007 (Ref. [100], with co-author Cojoc), used as an ordinary literature example of donut-beam trapping of microbubbles; this is not load-bearing for any conclusion and does not bootstrap a result. The paper's own Outlook explicitly acknowledges that compound/mixed emulsifier systems have not yet been investigated with OTs and that W/O droplets are generally difficult to trap; these are scope limitations, not circular reasoning. Accordingly, no step reduces to its own input, and the appropriate circularity score is 0.

Assumptions & free parameters 0 free parameters · 4 assumptions · 0 invented entities

No free parameters or invented entities are introduced because the paper is a review. The conclusions rest on standard theory (ray optics, DLVO, harmonic trap) and on the reliability of the cited experimental literature; the bibliometric trend depends on an undocumented Scopus search.

assumptions (4)
  • domain assumption Ray optics is a valid approximation for computing optical forces on dielectric spheres much larger than the optical wavelength.
    Used in the 'Principle of optical trapping' section to present Eqs. (1)-(3); not derived or justified in the review.
  • domain assumption DLVO theory (van der Waals plus electric double layer) captures the dominant interaction forces between emulsion droplets in the studies surveyed.
    Basis for interpreting force-separation curves throughout 'Theory of emulsion stability'.
  • standard math For small displacements, the optical trap is a harmonic (Hookean) potential.
    Used to define trap stiffness and calibration in Eqs. (4)-(5).
  • domain assumption Scopus-indexed publications are representative of activity in optical tweezers and emulsion research.
    Figure 3 trends and the 'democratization' narrative rely on an undocumented Scopus query.

how reviews work

0 comments
Cite this review

Pith. "Pith review of Application of Optical Tweezers in the Study of Emulsions for Multiple Applications." pith.science (2026). https://pith.science/paper/JIG6LTMX

@misc{pith2026241109245,
  author       = {Pith},
  title        = {Pith review of: Application of Optical Tweezers in the Study of Emulsions for Multiple Applications},
  year         = {2026},
  howpublished = {\url{https://pith.science/paper/JIG6LTMX}},
  note         = {Machine review of arXiv:2411.09245}
}
read the original abstract

Emulsions are ubiquitous in everyday life and find applications in various industries. Optical tweezers (OTs) have emerged as the preferred method for studying emulsion dynamics. In this review, we first introduce the theory of optical trapping and emulsion stability. We then survey applications in the manipulation of emulsions, stability mechanism, the processes of aggregation and coalescence, and important responsive and switchable behaviors. And we overview the instrumentation framework of various OT setups, and evaluate their complexity and cost with a view towards the democratization of this technology. Following this, we delve into basic experimentation methods, the challenges associated with using OTs in emulsion applications. Additionally, we present a promising research outlook, including studies on stability mechanism of emulsions stabilized by compound or mixed emulsifiers or rigid or soft particles, as well as dynamic processes of responsive or functional emulsions.

Figures

Figures reproduced from arXiv: 2411.09245 by the authors.

Figure 1
Figure 1. illustrates the optical trapping model using ray optics. (A) Trapping of a dielectric microbead: the bead above the focus is pulled toward the lens focus; the bead below is pushed toward the focus, and the lateral bead is attracted toward the focus. (B) Gradient and scattering force components arising from the refraction of an incident light ray. (C) Magnitude of the gradient and scattering force for a single ray, f… view at source ↗
Figure 2
Figure 2. (A) Optical trap potential. (B) Optical trap as a Hookean spring. (C) Distribution of the bead position. (D) and example of a dual beam optical trap for DNA transcription experiment(Reproduced with permission from Ref [24]) [PITH_FULL_IMAGE:figures/full_fig_p005_2.png] view at source ↗

Discussion (0). Continue with ORCID to comment.

Reference graph

Works this paper leans on

106 extracted references · 80 canonical work pages

  1. [47]

    Scanning super-resolution imaging in enclosed environment by laser tweezer controlled superlens

    Wen Y , Yu H, Zhao W, Li P , Wang F, Ge Z, et al. Scanning super-resolution imaging in enclosed environment by laser tweezer controlled superlens. 2020;119:2451-60

    work page 2020

  2. [53]

    Microscopic measurement of the pair interaction potential of charge - stabilized colloid

    Crocker JC, Grier DGJPrl. Microscopic measurement of the pair interaction potential of charge - stabilized colloid. 1994;73:352

    work page 1994

  3. [86]

    CO2-Responsive Emulsion Systems

    Guo S, Chen Z, Ren X, Zhang Y , Liu X. CO2-Responsive Emulsion Systems. PROGRESS IN CHEMISTRY . 2017;29:695-705

    work page 2017

  4. [62]

    Stability and interaction forces of oil-in-water emulsions as observed by optical tweezers - a proof-of-concept study

    Nilsen-Nygaard J, Sletmoen M, Draget KI. Stability and interaction forces of oil-in-water emulsions as observed by optical tweezers - a proof-of-concept study. RSC advances. 2014;4:52220-9

    work page 2014

  5. [1]

    Analyzing the principles of manipulation and measurement of emulsions using optical tweezer expounds the feasibility and necessity of the study

  6. [2]

    Classifying the applications of emulsion using optical tweezer, including manipulation of emulsions, stability, the processes of aggregation and coalescence, and responsive and switchable behaviors, shows a rapidly rising interest in emulsions and optical tweezers

  7. [3]

    for the OTs and their application to biological systems

    Summarizing instrumentation framework of setups and basic experimentation methods guides the further study of emulsions using optical tweezers. Introduction Emulsions are multiphase unstable systems consisting of two liquids that typically do not mix, along with an emulsifier that facilitates their mixing. One liquid forms the continuous phase, while the ...

    1986

  8. [4]

    Basics of pharmaceutical emulsions: A review

    Khan BA, Akhtar N, Khan HMS, Waseem K, Mahmood T, Rasul A, et al. Basics of pharmaceutical emulsions: A review. 2011;5:2715-25

    2011

Show all 106 references
  1. [5]

    low-cost

    number of beam-forming and beam-steering optical components (light sources and detectors are not counted, but the objectives are), 3) light source used for entrapment, and 4) the detector used for imaging [91]. We also compare the application and the object the laser beams ent...

    2020

  2. [6]

    Development and future of droplet microfluidics

    Nan L, Zhang H, Weitz DA, Shum HCJLoaC. Development and future of droplet microfluidics. 2024

    2024

  3. [7]

    Correlation between interfacial layer properties and physical stability of food emulsions: current trends, challenges, strategies, and further perspectives

    Cai Z, Wei Y , Shi A, Zhong J, Rao P , Wang Q, et al. Correlation between interfacial layer properties and physical stability of food emulsions: current trends, challenges, strategies, and further perspectives. Advances in colloid and interface science. 2023;313:102863-

    2023

  4. [8]

    Emulsion system, demulsification and membrane technology in oil- water emulsion separation: A comprehensive review

    Deng Y , Dai M, Wu Y , Peng C. Emulsion system, demulsification and membrane technology in oil- water emulsion separation: A comprehensive review. Critical reviews in environmental science and technology. 2023;53:1254-78

    2023

  5. [9]

    Starch based Pickering emulsions: Fabrication, properties, and applications

    Zhu FJTiFS, Technology. Starch based Pickering emulsions: Fabrication, properties, and applications. 2019;85:129-37

    2019

  6. [10]

    Atomic force microscopy of emulsion droplets: probing droplet− droplet interactions

    Gunning A, Mackie A, Wilde P , Morris VJL. Atomic force microscopy of emulsion droplets: probing droplet− droplet interactions. 2004;20:116-22

    2004

  7. [11]

    Effective formation of silicone -in- fluorocarbon-in-water double emulsions: Studies on droplet morphology and stability

    Lee D -H, Goh Y -M, Kim J -S, Kim H -K, Kang H -H, Suh K -D, et al. Effective formation of silicone -in- fluorocarbon-in-water double emulsions: Studies on droplet morphology and stability. 2002;23:491-7

    2002

  8. [12]

    hydrodynamic suction effect

    proposed a novel method to measure local salt concentration using OTs based on this principle. A single couple of particles or emulsion droplets were kept in a microfluidic channel close to an interface formed between milliQ water and a 5 mM NaCl solution. As ions gradually di...

    2018

  9. [13]

    Recent progress in high -throughput droplet screening and sorting for bioanalysis

    Sun G, Qu L, Azi F, Liu Y , Li J, Lv X, et al. Recent progress in high -throughput droplet screening and sorting for bioanalysis. 2023;225:115107

    2023

  10. [14]

    Single -molecule force spectroscopy: optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers and atomic force microscopy

    Neuman KC, Nagy A. Single -molecule force spectroscopy: optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers and atomic force microscopy. Nature Methods. 2008;5:491-505

    2008

  11. [15]

    Optical tweezers for single cells

    Zhang H, Liu K-KJJotRSi. Optical tweezers for single cells. 2008;5:671-90

    2008

  12. [16]

    Simultaneous, coincident optical trapping and single-molecule fluorescence

    Lang MJ, Fordyce PM, Engh AM, Neuman KC, Block SM. Simultaneous, coincident optical trapping and single-molecule fluorescence. Nature methods. 2004;1:133-9

    2004

  13. [17]

    Magnetic Microtweezers: A Tool for High ‐ Throughput Bioseparation in Sub‐Nanoliter Droplets

    Dumas S, Richerd M, Serra M, Descroix SJAMT. Magnetic Microtweezers: A Tool for High ‐ Throughput Bioseparation in Sub‐Nanoliter Droplets. 2023;8:2200747

    2023

  14. [18]

    Measuring the interaction between a pair of emulsion droplets using dual-trap optical tweezers

    Griffiths MR, Raudsepp A, McGrath KM, Williams MAK. Measuring the interaction between a pair of emulsion droplets using dual-trap optical tweezers. RSC advances. 2016;6:14538-46

    2016

  15. [19]

    Aggregation and coalescence of partially crystalline emulsion drops investigated using optical tweezers

    Otazo MR, Ward R, Gillies G, Osborne RS, Golding M, Williams MAJSm. Aggregation and coalescence of partially crystalline emulsion drops investigated using optical tweezers. 2019;15:6383 - 91

    2019

  16. [20]

    Optical sculpture: controlled deformation of emulsion droplets with ultralow interfacial tensions using optical tweezers

    Ward AD, Berry MG, Mellor CD, Bain CDJCc. Optical sculpture: controlled deformation of emulsion droplets with ultralow interfacial tensions using optical tweezers. 2006:4515-7

    2006

  17. [21]

    Controllable synthesis of spherical carbon particles transition from dense to hollow structure derived from Kraft lignin

    Cao KLA, Rahmatika AM, Kitamoto Y , Nguyen MTT, Ogi TJJoC, Science I. Controllable synthesis of spherical carbon particles transition from dense to hollow structure derived from Kraft lignin. 2021;589:252-63

    2021

  18. [22]

    Forces of a single-beam gradient laser trap on a dielectric sphere in the ray optics regime

    Ashkin A. Forces of a single-beam gradient laser trap on a dielectric sphere in the ray optics regime. Biophys J. 1992;61:569-82

    1992

  19. [23]

    Combining optical trapping, fluorescence microscopy and micro-fluidics for single molecule studies of DNA -protein interactions

    Candelli A, Wuite GJL, Peterman EJG. Combining optical trapping, fluorescence microscopy and micro-fluidics for single molecule studies of DNA -protein interactions. Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP . 2011;13:7263-72

    2011

  20. [24]

    Co-temporal Force and Fluorescence Measurements Reveal a Ribosomal Gear Shift Mechanism of Translation Regulation by Structured mRNAs

    Desai VP , Frank F, Lee A, Righini M, Lancaster L, Noller HF, et al. Co-temporal Force and Fluorescence Measurements Reveal a Ribosomal Gear Shift Mechanism of Translation Regulation by Structured mRNAs. Molecular cell. 2019;75:1007-19.e5

    2019

  21. [25]

    Raman microspectroscopy of optically trapped micro - and nanoobjects

    Jonas A, Jezek J, Sery M, Zemanek P . Raman microspectroscopy of optically trapped micro - and nanoobjects. In: PopiolekMasajada A, Jankowska E, Urbanczyk W, (editors). Vol. 7141. BELLINGHAM: Spie-Int Soc Optical Engineering

  22. [26]

    Confocal Raman Microscopy of Optical -Trapped Particles in Liquids

    Cherney DP , Harris JM. Confocal Raman Microscopy of Optical -Trapped Particles in Liquids. In: Yeung ES, Zare RN, (editors). Vol. 3. PALO ALTO: Annual Reviews; 2010. p. 277-97

    2010

  23. [27]

    Observation of a single -beam gradient force optical trap for dielectric particles

    Ashkin A, Dziedzic JM, Bjorkholm JE, Chu SJOl. Observation of a single -beam gradient force optical trap for dielectric particles. 1986;11:288-90

    1986

  24. [28]

    An overview of surface forces and the DLVO theory

    Agmo Hernández VJC. An overview of surface forces and the DLVO theory. 2023;9:10

    2023

  25. [29]

    Optical trapping and manipulation of neutral particles using lasers

    Ashkin AJPotNAoS. Optical trapping and manipulation of neutral particles using lasers. 1997;94:4853-60

    1997

  26. [30]

    Recent advances in optical tweezers

    Moffitt JR, Chemla YR, Smith SB, Bustamante CJARB. Recent advances in optical tweezers. 2008;77:205-28

    2008

  27. [31]

    Optical trapping

    Neuman KC, Block SMJRosi. Optical trapping. 2004;75:2787-809

    2004

  28. [32]

    Calibration of optical tweezers for in vivo force measurements: how do different approaches compare? 2014;107:1474-84

    Jun Y , Tripathy SK, Narayanareddy BR, Mattson-Hoss MK, Gross SPJBj. Calibration of optical tweezers for in vivo force measurements: how do different approaches compare? 2014;107:1474-84

    2014

  29. [33]

    Intermolecular and surface interactions in engineering processes

    Zhang J, Zeng HJE. Intermolecular and surface interactions in engineering processes. 2021;7:63-83

    2021

  30. [34]

    On interaction between two bodies immersed in a solution of macromolecules

    Asakura S, Oosawa FJTJocp. On interaction between two bodies immersed in a solution of macromolecules. 1954;22:1255-6

    1954

  31. [35]

    Intermolecular forces in biology

    Leckband D, Israelachvili JJQrob. Intermolecular forces in biology. 2001;34:105-267

    2001

  32. [36]

    Interactions between elemental selenium and hydrophilic/hydrophobic surfaces: Direct force measurements using AFM

    Wang J, Li J, Xie L, Shi C, Liu Q, Zeng HJCEJ. Interactions between elemental selenium and hydrophilic/hydrophobic surfaces: Direct force measurements using AFM. 2016;303:646-54

    2016

  33. [37]

    Diffuse double ‐layer models, long‐range forces, and ordering in clay colloids

    McBride M, Baveye PJSSSoAJ. Diffuse double ‐layer models, long‐range forces, and ordering in clay colloids. 2002;66:1207-17

    2002

  34. [38]

    Steric forces measured with the atomic force microscope at various temperatures

    Butt H-J, Kappl M, Mueller H, Raiteri R, Meyer W, Rühe JJL. Steric forces measured with the atomic force microscope at various temperatures. 1999;15:2559-65

    1999

  35. [39]

    Manipulation of colloids by a nonequilibrium depletion force in a temperature gradient

    Jiang H-R, Wada H, Yoshinaga N, Sano MJPrl. Manipulation of colloids by a nonequilibrium depletion force in a temperature gradient. 2009;102:208301

    2009

  36. [40]

    Optical virtual imaging at 50 nm lateral resolution with a white-light nanoscope

    Wang Z, Guo W, Li L, Luk'yanchuk B, Khan A, Liu Z, et al. Optical virtual imaging at 50 nm lateral resolution with a white-light nanoscope. Nature communications. 2011;2:218-

    2011

  37. [41]

    Contact aggregation, bridging, and steric stabilization in dense polymer− particle mixtures

    Hooper JB, Schweizer KSJM. Contact aggregation, bridging, and steric stabilization in dense polymer− particle mixtures. 2005;38:8858-69

    2005

  38. [42]

    A population balance model for flocculation of colloidal suspensions by polymer bridging

    Runkana V, Somasundaran P , Kapur PJCES. A population balance model for flocculation of colloidal suspensions by polymer bridging. 2006;61:182-91

    2006

  39. [43]

    Hydrophobic interactions in context

    Garde SJN. Hydrophobic interactions in context. 2015;517:277-9

    2015

  40. [44]

    Miniaturized metalens based optical tweezers on liquid crystal droplets for lab-on-a-chip optical motors

    Suwannasopon S, Meyer F, Schlickriede C, Chaisakul P , T -Thienprasert J, Limtrakul J, et al. Miniaturized metalens based optical tweezers on liquid crystal droplets for lab-on-a-chip optical motors. 2019;9:515

    2019

  41. [45]

    Optically driven liquid crystal droplet rotator

    Saito K, Kimura YJSr. Optically driven liquid crystal droplet rotator. 2022;12:16623

    2022

  42. [46]

    Selective Sparse Sampling of Water Droplets in Oil with Acoustic Tweezers

    Lin S, Riaud A, Zhou J. Selective Sparse Sampling of Water Droplets in Oil with Acoustic Tweezers. ACS sensors. 2024;9:2066-74

    2024

  43. [48]

    Reconfigurable opto -thermoelectric printing of colloidal particles

    Lin L, Peng X, Zheng YJCC. Reconfigurable opto -thermoelectric printing of colloidal particles. 2017;53:7357-60

    2017

  44. [49]

    Lipid droplets as endogenous intracellular microlenses

    Chen X, Wu T, Gong Z, Guo J, Liu X, Zhang Y , et al. Lipid droplets as endogenous intracellular microlenses. 2021;10:242

    2021

  45. [50]

    An optical tweezer-based microdroplet imaging technology

    Zhai C, Hong Y , Lin Z, Chen Y , Wang H, Guo T, et al. An optical tweezer-based microdroplet imaging technology. 2023;6

    2023

  46. [51]

    Interfacial Tension Driven Open Droplet Microfluidics

    Khor JW, Lee UN, Berthier J, Berthier E, Theberge AB. Interfacial Tension Driven Open Droplet Microfluidics. 2023;10:2202234

    2023

  47. [52]

    Measurement of the Electrostatic Interaction between Polyelectrolyte Brush Surfaces by Optical Tweezers

    Murakami D, Takenaka A, Kobayashi M, Jinnai H, Takahara A. Measurement of the Electrostatic Interaction between Polyelectrolyte Brush Surfaces by Optical Tweezers. Langmuir. 2013;29:16093-7

    2013

  48. [54]

    Methods of digital video microscopy for colloidal studies

    Crocker JC, Grier DGJJoc, science i. Methods of digital video microscopy for colloidal studies. 1996;179:298-310

    1996

  49. [55]

    Forces of Interaction between Poly(2 -vinylpyridine) Brushes As Measured by Optical Tweezers

    Elmahdy MM, Synytska A, Drechsler A, Gutsche C, Uhlmann P , Stamm M, et al. Forces of Interaction between Poly(2 -vinylpyridine) Brushes As Measured by Optical Tweezers. Macromolecules. 2009;42:9096-102

    2009

  50. [56]

    Micro -rheology on (polymer-grafted) colloids using optical tweezers

    Gutsche C, Elmahdy MM, Kegler K, Semenov I, Stangner T, Otto O, et al. Micro -rheology on (polymer-grafted) colloids using optical tweezers. Journal of physics Condensed matter. 2011;23

    2011

  51. [57]

    Optical tweezers to measure the interaction between poly(acrylic acid) brushes

    Dominguez -Espinosa G, Synytska A, Drechsler A, Gutsche C, Kegler K, Uhlmann P , et al. Optical tweezers to measure the interaction between poly(acrylic acid) brushes. Polymer (Guilford). 2008;49:4802-7

    2008

  52. [58]

    Determination of the interaction mechanism of 10 µm oil - in-water emulsion droplets using optical tweezers

    Chen A, Jing Y , Sang F-N, Li S-W, Xu J-H. Determination of the interaction mechanism of 10 µm oil - in-water emulsion droplets using optical tweezers. Chemical Engineering Science. 2018;181:341-7

    2018

  53. [59]

    In situ measurement of depletion caused by SDBS micelles on the surface of silica particles using optical tweezers

    Liu S, Hu Y , Xia J, Fang S, Duan MJL. In situ measurement of depletion caused by SDBS micelles on the surface of silica particles using optical tweezers. 2019;35:13536-42

    2019

  54. [60]

    INTERFACIAL-TENSION MINIMA IN OIL-WATER SURFACTANT SYSTEMS - EFFECTS OF COSURFACTANT IN SYSTEMS CONTAINING SODIUM DODECYL-SULFATE

    Aveyard R, Binks BP , Mead J. INTERFACIAL-TENSION MINIMA IN OIL-WATER SURFACTANT SYSTEMS - EFFECTS OF COSURFACTANT IN SYSTEMS CONTAINING SODIUM DODECYL-SULFATE. JOURNAL OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY-FARADAY TRANSACTIONS I. 1987;83:2347-57

    1987

  55. [61]

    Measurement of ultralow interfacial tension with a laser interface manipulation technique

    Mitani S, Sakai K. Measurement of ultralow interfacial tension with a laser interface manipulation technique. Physical review E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics. 2002;66

    2002

  56. [63]

    Interactions between micro -scale oil droplets in aqueous surfactant solution determined using optical tweezers

    Chen A, Li S -W, Sang F -N, Zeng H -B, Xu J -HJJoc, science i. Interactions between micro -scale oil droplets in aqueous surfactant solution determined using optical tweezers. 2018;532:128-35

    2018

  57. [64]

    Factors governing partial coalescence in oil-in-water emulsions

    Fredrick E, Walstra P , Dewettinck K. Factors governing partial coalescence in oil-in-water emulsions. Advances in colloid and interface science. 2010;153:30-42

    2010

  58. [65]

    Interactions between colliding oil drops coated with non -ionic surfactant determined using optical tweezers

    Chen A, Li S -W, Jing D, Xu J-HJCES. Interactions between colliding oil drops coated with non -ionic surfactant determined using optical tweezers. 2019;193:276-81

    2019

  59. [66]

    A novel approach to study the interactions between polymeric stabilized micron-sized oil droplets by optical tweezers

    Chen A, Li S, Xu JJCJoCE. A novel approach to study the interactions between polymeric stabilized micron-sized oil droplets by optical tweezers. 2020;28:1368-74

    2020

  60. [67]

    The attraction between like-charged oil-in-water emulsion droplets induced by ionic micelles

    Liu S, Hu Y , Xia J, Li N, Fan H, Duan M. The attraction between like-charged oil-in-water emulsion droplets induced by ionic micelles. Colloids and surfaces A, Physicochemical and engineering aspects. 2022;654:130143

    2022

  61. [68]

    Optical tweezer platform for the characterization of pH-triggered colloidal transformations in the oleic acid/water system

    Manca M, Zhang C, Scheffold F, Salentinig S. Optical tweezer platform for the characterization of pH-triggered colloidal transformations in the oleic acid/water system. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 2022;627:610-20

    2022

  62. [69]

    Single particle investigation of triolein digestion using optical manipulation, polarized video microscopy, and SAXS

    Manca M, Zhang C, Vasconcelos de Melo Freire R, Scheffold F, Salentinig S. Single particle investigation of triolein digestion using optical manipulation, polarized video microscopy, and SAXS. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 2023;649:1039-46

    2023

  63. [70]

    Exploring the effects of approach velocity on depletion force and coalescence in oil-in-water emulsions

    Aarøen O, Riccardi E, Sletmoen MJRa. Exploring the effects of approach velocity on depletion force and coalescence in oil-in-water emulsions. 2021;11:8730-40

    2021

  64. [71]

    Coalescence dynamics in oil -in-water emulsions at elevated temperatures

    Bera B, Khazal R, Schroen K. Coalescence dynamics in oil -in-water emulsions at elevated temperatures. Scientific reports. 2021;11:10990-

    2021

  65. [72]

    Arrested coalescence of viscoelastic droplets: polydisperse doublets

    Dahiya P , Caggioni M, Spicer PT. Arrested coalescence of viscoelastic droplets: polydisperse doublets. Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London Series A: Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences. 2016;374:20150132

    2016

  66. [73]

    Partial coalescence as a tool to control sensory perception of emulsions

    Benjamins J, Vingerhoeds MH, Zoet FD, de Hoog EHA, van Aken GA. Partial coalescence as a tool to control sensory perception of emulsions. Food hydrocolloids. 2009;23:102-15

    2009

  67. [74]

    Temperature -induced Coalescence of Droplets Manipulated by Optical Trapping in an Oil-in-Water Emulsion

    Mitsunobu M, Kobayashi S, Takeyasu N, Kaneta T. Temperature -induced Coalescence of Droplets Manipulated by Optical Trapping in an Oil-in-Water Emulsion. Analytical sciences. 2017;33:709-13

    2017

  68. [75]

    Optically controlled coalescence and splitting of femtoliter/picoliter droplets for microreactors

    Wen M, Yao B, Yuan S, Zhang W, Zhang Y , Yang G, et al. Optically controlled coalescence and splitting of femtoliter/picoliter droplets for microreactors. RSC Advances. 2022;12:18311-20

    2022

  69. [76]

    Light-switchable emulsions: From reversible emulsification-demulsification to controllable microreactors

    Zhao L, Yuan X, Wang H, Pei Y , Shi Y , Zhao Y , et al. Light-switchable emulsions: From reversible emulsification-demulsification to controllable microreactors. Journal of molecular liquids. 2023;372:121166

    2023

  70. [77]

    Switchable Pickering Emulsion System

    Tian S, Mao G, Zhang J, Li N, Jiang M, Wu W. Switchable Pickering Emulsion System. PROGRESS IN CHEMISTRY . 2020;32:434-53

    2020

  71. [78]

    pH-Responsive Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Silica Nanoparticles in Combination with a Conventional Zwitterionic Surfactant

    Liu K, Jiang J, Cui Z, Binks BP . pH-Responsive Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Silica Nanoparticles in Combination with a Conventional Zwitterionic Surfactant. Langmuir. 2017;33:2296-305

    2017

  72. [79]

    pH-switchable pickering emulsions stabilized by polyelectrolyte-biosurfactant complex coacervate colloids

    Laquerbe S, Carvalho A, Schmutz M, Poirier A, Baccile N, Ben Messaoud G. pH-switchable pickering emulsions stabilized by polyelectrolyte-biosurfactant complex coacervate colloids. Journal of colloid and interface science. 2021;600:23-36

    2021

  73. [80]

    Thermo-Driven Controllable Emulsion Separation by a Polymer-Decorated Membrane with Switchable Wettability

    Zhang W, Liu N, Zhang Q, Qu R, Liu Y , Li X, et al. Thermo-Driven Controllable Emulsion Separation by a Polymer-Decorated Membrane with Switchable Wettability. Angewandte Chemie (International ed). 2018;57:5740-5

    2018

  74. [81]

    Thermo-Switchable Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Smart Janus Nanosheets for Controllable Interfacial Catalysis

    Li C, Hu J, Tang C, Liu Z, Li X, Liu S, et al. Thermo-Switchable Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Smart Janus Nanosheets for Controllable Interfacial Catalysis. ACS sustainable chemistry & engineering. 2023;11:14144-57

    2023

  75. [82]

    Redox and doubly pH-switchable Pickering emulsion

    Li X, Zhu P , Lv X, Yan G, Lu HJL. Redox and doubly pH-switchable Pickering emulsion. 2020;36:14288- 95

    2020

  76. [83]

    Redox -Controllable Interfacial Properties of Zwitterionic Surfactant Featuring Selenium Atoms

    Kong W, Guo S, Wu S, Liu X, Zhang Y . Redox -Controllable Interfacial Properties of Zwitterionic Surfactant Featuring Selenium Atoms. Langmuir. 2016;32:9846-53

    2016

  77. [84]

    Redox-switchable Pickering emulsion stabilized by hexaniobate-based ionic liquid for oxidation catalysis

    Lu W, Dong J, Zhang D, Lei P , Chi Y , Hu C. Redox-switchable Pickering emulsion stabilized by hexaniobate-based ionic liquid for oxidation catalysis. Dalton transactions : an international journal of inorganic chemistry. 2023;52:6677-84

    2023

  78. [85]

    Magnetic-responsive switchable emulsions based on Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2 nanoparticles

    Yang H, Hou Q, Wang S, Guo D, Hu G, Xu Y , et al. Magnetic-responsive switchable emulsions based on Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2 nanoparticles. Chemical communications (Cambridge, England). 2018;54:10679 - 82

    2018

  79. [87]

    CO2 -responsive O/W microemulsions prepared using a switchable superamphiphile assembled by electrostatic interactions

    Chen X, Ma X, Yan C, Sun D, Yeung T, Xu Z. CO2 -responsive O/W microemulsions prepared using a switchable superamphiphile assembled by electrostatic interactions. Journal of colloid and interface science. 2019;534:595-604

    2019

  80. [88]

    Interactions between CO2 -responsive switchable emulsion droplets determined by using optical tweezers

    Chen A, Liu X, Wu Y , Luo G, Xu J-hJL. Interactions between CO2 -responsive switchable emulsion droplets determined by using optical tweezers. 2020;36:4600-6

    2020

  81. [89]

    Stimuli -responsive emulsions: Recent advances and potential applications

    Ge X-h, Mo L, Yu A, Tian C, Wang X, Yang C, et al. Stimuli -responsive emulsions: Recent advances and potential applications. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering. 2022;41:193-209

    2022

  82. [90]

    Switchable Pickering Emulsions Stabilized via Synergistic Nanoparticles–Superamphiphiles Effects and Rapid Response to CO2/N2

    Zhang Z, Peng B, Zhang Y , Xiong J, Li J, Liu JJL. Switchable Pickering Emulsions Stabilized via Synergistic Nanoparticles–Superamphiphiles Effects and Rapid Response to CO2/N2. 2024;40:1604-12

    2024

  83. [91]

    Switchable pickering emulsions stabilized by silica nanoparticles hydrophobized in situ with a switchable surfactant

    Jiang J, Zhu Y , Cui Z, Binks BPJAC. Switchable pickering emulsions stabilized by silica nanoparticles hydrophobized in situ with a switchable surfactant. 2013;125

    2013

  84. [92]

    In Situ Measurements of Interactions between Switchable Surface- Active Colloid Particles Using Optical Tweezers

    Chen A, Wang F, Zhou Y , Xu J-h. In Situ Measurements of Interactions between Switchable Surface- Active Colloid Particles Using Optical Tweezers. Langmuir. 2020;36:4664-70

    2020

  85. [93]

    Microfluidic production of monodisperse functional o/w droplets and study of their reversible pH dependent aggregation behavior

    Bauer W-AC, Kotar J, Cicuta P , Woodward RT, Weaver JVM, Huck WTS. Microfluidic production of monodisperse functional o/w droplets and study of their reversible pH dependent aggregation behavior. Soft matter. 2011;7:4214-20

    2011

  86. [94]

    A novel approach to study the interactions between polymeric stabilized micron- sized oil droplets by optical tweezers

    Chen A, Li S, Xu J. A novel approach to study the interactions between polymeric stabilized micron- sized oil droplets by optical tweezers. Chinese journal of chemical engineering. 2020;28:1368-74

    2020

  87. [95]

    Versatile, facile and low-cost single-cell isolation, culture and sequencing by optical tweezer-assisted pool-screening

    Xu T, Li Y , Han X, Kan L, Ren J, Sun L, et al. Versatile, facile and low-cost single-cell isolation, culture and sequencing by optical tweezer-assisted pool-screening. 2023;23:125-35

    2023

  88. [96]

    Single cell isolation using optical tweezers

    Keloth A, Anderson O, Risbridger D, Paterson LJM. Single cell isolation using optical tweezers. 2018;9:434

    2018

  89. [97]

    Optical tweezers and their applications

    Polimeno P , Magazzu A, Iati MA, Patti F, Saija R, Boschi CDE, et al. Optical tweezers and their applications. 2018;218:131-50

    2018

  90. [98]

    Multi ‐Object detector yolov4 ‐tiny enables high ‐ throughput combinatorial and spatially‐resolved sorting of cells in microdroplets

    Howell L, Anagnostidis V, Gielen FJAMT. Multi ‐Object detector yolov4 ‐tiny enables high ‐ throughput combinatorial and spatially‐resolved sorting of cells in microdroplets. 2022;7:2101053

    2022

  91. [99]

    Deep learning guided image- based droplet sorting for on -demand selection and analysis of single cells and 3D cell cultures

    Anagnostidis V, Sherlock B, Metz J, Mair P , Hollfelder F, Gielen FJLoaC. Deep learning guided image- based droplet sorting for on -demand selection and analysis of single cells and 3D cell cultures. 2020;20:889-900

    2020

  92. [100]

    Changes in microbubble dynamics near a boundary revealed by combined optical micromanipulation and high - speed imaging

    Garbin V, Cojoc D, Ferrari E, Di Fabrizio E, Overvelde M, Van Der Meer S, et al. Changes in microbubble dynamics near a boundary revealed by combined optical micromanipulation and high - speed imaging. 2007;90

    2007

  93. [101]

    Droplets microfluidics platform—A tool for single cell research

    Li B, Ma X, Cheng J, Tian T, Guo J, Wang Y , et al. Droplets microfluidics platform—A tool for single cell research. 2023;11:1121870

    2023

  94. [102]

    Ultrahigh -throughput enzyme engineering and discovery in in vitro compartments

    Gantz M, Neun S, Medcalf EJ, van Vliet LD, Hollfelder FJCR. Ultrahigh -throughput enzyme engineering and discovery in in vitro compartments. 2023;123:5571-611

    2023

  95. [103]

    Cell refractive index: Models, insights, applications and future perspectives

    Gul B, Ashraf S, Khan S, Nisar H, Ahmad IJP , therapy p. Cell refractive index: Models, insights, applications and future perspectives. 2021;33:102096

    2021

  96. [104]

    Optoelectronic tweezers: a versatile toolbox for nano-/micro-manipulation

    Zhang S, Xu B, Elsayed M, Nan F, Liang W, Valley JK, et al. Optoelectronic tweezers: a versatile toolbox for nano-/micro-manipulation. 2022;51:9203-42

    2022

  97. [105]

    Simultaneous trapping of low-index and high-index microparticles observed with an optical-vortex trap

    Gahagan K, Swartzlander J, GA %J Journal of the Optical Society of America B. Simultaneous trapping of low-index and high-index microparticles observed with an optical-vortex trap. 1999;16:533- 7

    1999

  98. [1999]

    Outlook In conclusion, OTs have emerged as a potential tool for the study of emulsions thanks to its high spatial and temporal resolution and high sensitivity in measuring forces

    Garbin et al [100] reported on the use of donut beams to trap UCA (ultrasound contrast agent) micro bubbles, thus it is possible to manipulate oil in water droplets through the use of donut beams. Outlook In conclusion, OTs have emerged as a potential tool for the study of emu...

Pith tools

Reviewed August 12, 2026 · model on record in the stance chip above.