One-Step Self-Organized Multifunctional Micromotors via Evaporative Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation

Abstract

Active microcarriers capable of transporting multiple functional components and navigating complex environments are highly desirable for biomedical applications, yet their fabrication typically requires complex multistep processes. Here we show that evaporation-induced liquid-liquid phase separation in all aqueous polymer and protein mixtures provides a simple one-step route to multifunctional micromotors. During droplet evaporation, micron-sized condensates spontaneously form and encapsulate enzymes, nanoparticles, and drugs. Evaporation-induced Marangoni flows and interfacial adsorption generate asymmetric internal self-organization of nanoparticles, producing Janus-like architectures and spontaneously emergent shape anisotropy without the need for patterned fabrication. Dual functionality with internal magnetic anisotropy allowed catalytic propulsion steered by magnetic torque, enabling directional motion even in homogeneous environments. Thus, we present a versatile platform for the one-step construction of biocompatible, multifunctional micromotors with internally asymmetric architectures.