Autonomous and Communicative Microcapsule Systems for Life‐Like Homeostatic pH Regulation

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Authors: Hongda Zhou, James Smith, Rui Cheng, Ramzan Ullah, Huaiyuan Wang, Dmitry Shchukin
Cited by: 1
References: 43

Abstract

Life sustains complex functions through intercellular communication networks that coordinate collective behavior and regulate environmental homeostasis. Replicating such dynamic and autonomous control over extended spatial and temporal domains in synthetic materials remains significant challenges. Here, we present a programmable dual-microcapsule system that emulates life-like homeostatic pH regulation via an antagonistic enzymatic network. The system integrates urease microcapsules (UMCs) and esterase microcapsules (EMCs), which were produced using microfluidic devices coupled with a surface co-assembly strategy. By integrating hybrid junction geometry with a modified epoxy post-coating strategy, the 3D-printed microfluidic device overcomes intrinsic structural defects and surface irregularities. The resulting amphiphobic and defect-free channels ensure stable droplet production and precise microsphere fabrication. Individual capsules display pH-mediated negative feedback through adaptive shell permeability, whereas mixed populations display communicate behaviors via pH signaling to generate programmable pH oscillations and feedback-controlled pH stabilization. This platform exhibits robust reaction to external pH control, long-term cycling stability, and inter-capsule interaction. This work offers a versatile route for engineering communicative, autonomous, and adaptive material systems, with broad implications for biomedical devices, environmental regulation, and soft control using chemical information exchange.

Fields of Study & Subjects

3D Printing in Biomedical Research Hydrogels: synthesis properties applications Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials

Publication details

Journal / source
Small
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
22
Issue
37
Pages
e73756–e73756
Publication date
13 May 2026
Language
EN