Researchers from MPI-IS and NUS have developed a light-driven 3D printing technology that goes beyond polymers. This breakthrough enables nanofabrication using metals and semiconductors, paving the way for advanced multi-material robots and medical devices.

Scientists have reached important milestones in microtechnology and nanotechnology. For many years, the ability to “print” complex 3D structures on a microscopic scale was primarily limited to polymers. Although researchers were able to create complex models like a miniature Eiffel Tower, they were only able to use one type of “ink.”

A new study published in the journal Nature on January 28, 2026 changes that. A joint team from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed a technology that enables the 3D manufacturing of objects using metals, semiconductors, and carbon materials.

The power of optofluidic assembly: nanofabrication

Traditional gold standard for small size 3D structure is two-photon polymerization (2PP). Although accurate, 2PP relies on chemical reactions within the specific plastic. This new method, known as optofluidic assembly, takes a different approach by using light to move physical matter.

Researchers use femtosecond lasers to create tiny hot spots within a liquid filled with loose particles. This heat generates localized fluid flow. By precisely controlling this flow, the team can “force” particles into pre-designed molds.

“The laser induces a thermal gradient and generates a strong flow,” explains Xianglong Lyu, lead author of the study. “This forces the particles exactly where you want them within the template.”

Nanofabrication and advanced robotics

The versatility of this method is immense. Because this process is physical rather than chemical, almost any material can be used as a component. Once the particles are packed into the desired shape within the polymer “cake mold”, the mold is removed. The resulting structure remains intact due to van der Waals forces, strong molecular attractions that hold the particles together without the need for adhesives.

The researchers demonstrated this by creating complex shapes, such as dangling croissant-shaped microstructures made of silica (SiO2).₂).

Researchers have gone beyond artistic form to build functional devices.

• Microvalves: Small enough to fit within hair-thin channels, they sort particles by size.
• Multi-material robot: A small machine that is made from a combination of special materials and therefore responds to both light and magnetic fields.

A new era of microsystems

This advancement allows scientists to effectively utilize a complete toolbox of materials instead of just one. Beyond polymers, engineers can now create tiny components with specific electrical, magnetic, or thermal properties.

Metin Sitti, who oversaw the research at MPI-IS, points out that this technology opens new frontiers in microscale technology and multifunctional robotics. As these technologies continue to mature, the ability to fabricate complex multimaterial machines at the nanoscale may soon move from the laboratory to practical medical and industrial applications.