The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for forming
fluidic droplets comprising particles such as colloidal particles, which
may be distributed on the surfaces of the fluidic droplets in some cases,
thereby encapsulating the fluidic droplets. The particles at least
partially surrounding the fluidic droplet may be colloidal particles in
some cases, i.e., forming a "colloidal capsule." In one set of
embodiments, the particles may be positioned on the surface of a fluidic
droplet such that the fluidic droplet is able to maintain a shape that,
when left undisturbed, is not achievable by an undisturbed fluidic
droplet free of discrete particles, for example, elongated or prolate
ellipsoid fluidic droplets. Such fluidic droplets may also exhibit
unusual properties, for example, plasticity, isolation from
electromagnetic fields, certain electrical and/or magnetic properties,
and/or mechanical resistance. In certain embodiments, multiple fluidic
droplets may be prevented from fusing or coalescing into one droplet when
coming into physical contact, due to the presence of particles on the
fluidic droplets. However, the fluidic droplets may be induced into
fusing or coalescing by initially deforming one or more of the fluidic
droplets, e.g., mechanically.