Shaping Matter with Acoustic Waves: From Particles to Functional Structures

ABSTRACT

Acoustic‐directed assembly (ADA) is a versatile strategy for structuring matter at multiple scales, offering contactless, noninvasive, and tunable control over a broad range of materials. This review surveys advances in acoustic manipulation of polymers, inorganic particles, metals, and living cells, focusing on how these building blocks are assembled and can be stabilized into permanent architectures. Previous reviews provide valuable insights into device design, manipulation mechanisms, and specific applications. Comparatively less emphasis has been placed on the role of materials and their transformation during and after acoustic manipulation. Here, we adopt a materials‐oriented perspective linking transient acoustic organization with the formation of stable and/or functional structures. We introduce a framework distinguishing assemblies of pre‐existing particles from those generated during acoustic manipulation and examine how this distinction shapes fixation strategies, structural fidelity, and applications. Case studies demonstrate directional conductivity in composites, formation of bio‐functional scaffolds with physiologically relevant architectures, and chemically organized structures. Integration with extrusion‐ and vat‐based printing is discussed, enabling tailored materials with embedded functionality. These advances position ADA as a platform for multifunctional materials in tissue engineering, flexible electronics, catalysis, and energy storage.