Pillar[5]arene microcapsules turn on fluid flow in the presence of paraquat

Abstract

We report the fabrication of pillar[5]arene (P[5]A) stabilized MCs via the self-assembly and crosslinking of P[5]A nanoaggregates at the liquid–liquid interface. These MC microengines turn on fluid flow in the presence of paraquat (PQ) due to “host–guest” molecular recognition. The microengines could be useful in designing non-mechanical micropumps, powerless microfluidics, and diagnostic devices.