A reversibly switching surface

A facile solvent-manipulated mesh for reversible oil/water separation

A controllable oil/water separation mesh has been successfully developed and easily manipulated by immersion in a stearic acid ethanol solution and tetrahydrofuran with a very short period of time. The superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic mesh is first obtained via a one-step chemical oxidation and subsequently converts to superhydrophobic after it is immersed in an ethanol solution of stearic acid for 5 min. The surface wettability is regained to superhydrophilic quickly by immersion in tetrahydrofuran for 5 min. More importantly, the reversible superhydrophobic-and-superhydrophilic switching can be repeated multiple times with almost no visible morphology variation. Therefore, this approach provides potential application in controllable oil/water separation and opens up new perspectives in manipulation of various metallic oxide substrates.

Switchable micropatterned surface topographies mediated by reversible shape memory

Reversibly switching topography on micrometer length scales greatly expands the functionality of stimuli-responsive substrates. Here we report the first usage of reversible shape memory for the actuation of two-way transitions between microscopically patterned substrates, resulting in corresponding modulations of the wetting properties. Reversible switching of the surface topography is achieved through partial melting and recrystallization of a semi-crystalline polyester embossed with microscopic features. This behavior is monitored with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurements. We demonstrate that the magnitude of the contact angle variations depends on the embossment pattern.

Development of a cell culture surface conversion technique using alginate thin film for evaluating effect upon cellular differentiation

Here, we sought to develop a cell culture surface conversion technique that would not damage living cells. An alginate thin film, formed on a glass plate by spin coating of sodium alginate solution and dipping into calcium chloride solution, was used to inhibit adhesion of cells. The film could be removed by ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) at any time during cell culture, permitting observation of cellular responses to conversion of the culture surface in real time. Additionally, we demonstrated the validity of the alginate thin film coating method and the performance of the film. The thickness of the alginate thin film was controlled by varying the rotation speed during spin coating. Moreover, the alginate thin film completely inhibited the adhesion of cultured cells to the culture surface, irrespective of the thickness of the film. When the alginate thin film was removed from the culture surface by EDTA, the cultured cells adhered to the culture surface, and their morphology changed. Finally, we achieved effective differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into myotube cells by cell culture on the convertible culture surface, demonstrating the utility of our novel technique.

Surfactant-free switchable emulsions using CO2-responsive particles

Surfactant-free emulsions are prepared using bi-wetting particles which occupy the oil-water interface to effectively reduce the oil-water interfacial area. The equilibrium position of the particle at the interface is determined by its wettability. CO2-reponsive chemical functional groups are grafted onto the surface of silica particles. Particles with only CO2-switchable functional groups are capable of stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions. Particles prepared with both CO2-responsive and hydrophobic chemical functional groups on its surface are capable of stabilizing water-in-oil emulsions. Emulsion stability is disturbed when the wettability of the stabilizing particle is altered by introducing CO2 gas to the biphasic mixture, leading to phase separation of emulsions prepared using the functionalized particles. The emulsion stability can be re-established by the removal of CO2 through air sparging. The presence of CO2 imposes positive surface charge to the responsive particles, increasing wettability and, consequently, the ability of the particles to destabilize emulsions.

Thermoresistive strain sensor and positioning method for roll-to-roll processes

This study uses the Joule heating effect-generated temperature difference to monitor in real-time and localize both compressive and tensile strains for the polymer substrates used in the roll-to-roll process. A serpentine gold (Au) line was patterned on a polyethylenenaphthalate (PEN) substrate to form the strain sensor based on thermoresistive behavior. This strain sensor was then subjected to either current or voltage to induce the Joule heating effect on the Au resistor. An infrared (IR) detector was used to monitor the strain-induced temperature difference on the Au and PEN surfaces and the minimal detectable bending radius was 0.9 mm with a gauge factor (GF) of 1.46. The proposed design eliminates the judgment ambiguity from conventional resistive strain sensors where resistance is the only physical quantity monitored. This study precisely and successfully indicated the local strain quantitatively and qualitatively with complete simulations and measurements.

Morphing hydrogel patterns by thermo-reversible fluorescence switching

Stimuli responsive surfaces that show reversible fluorescence switching behavior in response to temperature changes were fabricated. Oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate thermoresponsive polymers with amine end-groups were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The polymers were patterned on silicon surfaces by electron beam (e-beam) lithography, followed by conjugation of self-quenching fluorophores. Fluorophore conjugated hydrogel thin films were bright when the gels were swollen; upon temperature-induced collapse of the gels, self-quenching of the fluorophores led to significant attenuation of fluorescence. Importantly, the fluorescence was regained when the temperature was cooled. The fluorescence switching behavior of the hydrogels for up to ten cycles was investigated and the swelling-collapse was verified by atomic force microscopy. Morphing surfaces that change shape several times upon increase in temperature were obtained by patterning multiple stimuli responsive polymers.

Molecularly engineered surfaces for cell biology: from static to dynamic surfaces

Surfaces with a well-defined presentation of ligands for receptors on the cell membrane can serve as models of the extracellular matrix for studying cell adhesion or as model cell surfaces for exploring cell-cell contacts. Because such surfaces can provide exquisite control over, for example, the density of these ligands or when the ligands are presented to the cell, they provide a very precise strategy for understanding the mechanisms by which cells respond to external adhesive cues. In the present feature article, we present an overview of the basic biology of cell adhesion before discussing surfaces that have a static presentation of immobile ligands. We outline the biological information that such surfaces have given us, before progressing to recently developed switchable surfaces and surfaces that mimic the lipid bilayer, having adhesive ligands that can move around the membrane and be remodeled by the cell. Finally, the feature article closes with some of the biological information that these new types of surfaces could provide.

Thiol-yne adsorbates for stable, low-density, self-assembled monolayers on gold

We present a novel approach toward carboxylate-terminated, low-density monolayers on gold, which provides exceptional adsorbate stability and conformational freedom of interfacial functional groups. Adsorbates are synthesized through the thiol-yne addition of two thiol-containing head groups to an alkyne-containing tail group. The resulting monolayers have two distinct phases: a highly crystalline head phase adjacent to the gold substrate, and a reduced density tail phase, which is in contact with the environment. The ellipsometric thickness of 27 Å is consistent with the proposed structure, where a densely packed decanedithiol monolayer is capped with an 11 carbon long, second layer at 50% lateral chain density. The Fourier transform infrared peak at 1710 cm(-1) supports the presence of the carbonyl group. Further, the peaks associated with asymmetric and symmetric methylene stretching are shifted toward higher wavenumbers compared to those of well-packed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), which shows a lower average crystallinity of the thiol-yne monolayers compared to a typical monolayer. Contact angle measurements indicate an intermediate surface energy for the thiol-yne monolayer surface, owing to the contribution of exposed methylene functionality at the surface in addition to the carbonyl terminal group. The conformational freedom at the surface was demonstrated through remodeling the thiol-yne surface under an applied potential. Changes in the receding contact angle in response to an external potential support the capacity for reorientation of the surface presenting groups. Despite the low packing at the solution interface, thiol-yne monolayers are resistant to water and ion transport (R(f) ~ 10(5)), supporting the presence of a densely structured layer at the gold surface. Further, the electrochemical stability of the thiol-yne adsorbates exceeded that of well-packed SAMs, requiring a more reductive potential to desorb the thiol-yne monolayers from the gold surface. The thiol-yne monolayer approach is not limited to carboxylate functionality and is readily adapted for low-density monolayers of varied functionality.

Bell-shaped superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic-superhydrophilic double transformation on a pH-responsive smart surface

Superhydrophobic to neutral water droplets, superhydrophilic to acidic or basic. This double transition of surface wettability in response to a single stimulus - pH - is demonstrated for the first time. The smart surface is composed of a rough gold surface modified with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) containing three thiols, HS(CH2 )11 CH3 , HS(CH2 )10 COOH, and HS(CH2 )11 NH2 . A ternary diagram is generated that describes wettability as a function of the SAM composition and the pH of the surrounding solution.

In situ sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy of electrochemical interfaces with surface plasmon resonance

Electrochemical (EC) reactions are crucial in many applications, yet most EC analytical tools lack the sensitivity to access molecular-level information of reactants and products. By combining sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance at EC interfaces, we demonstrate the feasibility of measuring in situ and real-time vibrational spectra during EC reactions at noble metal electrodes. Application of the technique to EC reactions at a gold surface helps in understanding how the surface in a basic solution is oxidized and reduced during a cyclic voltammetry cycle. Study of desorption of a thiol self-assembled monolayer from gold through EC reactions in a basic solution shows that the desorbed thiols by reductive reaction remain as an ordered layer near the gold interface, but do diffuse away if they are desorbed oxidatively from gold.

Self-assembled structures of amphiphiles regulated via implanting external stimuli

This review article has summarized recent achievements of manipulating amphiphilic molecules and their self-assembled structures via different external stimuli.

A chemo-mechanical switch for controllable water transportation based on a thermally responsive block copolymer

A smart and reversible chemo-mechanical switch for controllable water transportation was developed by originally designing a thermally responsive block copolymer on a capillary plate.

A CO2-responsive surface with an amidine-terminated self-assembled monolayer for stimuli-induced selective adsorption

A novel amidine-based bifunctional molecule is synthesized for fabrication of a CO₂-responsive surface. Controlling reversible transition of surface charges and wettability in response to stimuli of dissolved CO₂ in water, the selective adsorption of hydrophobic/hydrophilic molecules can be easily achieved.

A novel approach to prepare polymer mixed-brushes via single crystal surface patterning

Single crystals having matrix-dispersed surface morphologies were prepared and characterized.

Porous polymer-based monolithic layers enabling pH triggered switching between superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic properties

Porous polymer monolithic layers that enable reversible pH-responsive switching between superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity have been prepared via a “thiol-ene” click reaction.

Smart hydrogels as functional biomimetic systems

This review discusses the principles underlying stimuli-responsive behavior of hydrogels and how these properties contribute to their biomimetic functions and applications.

Metal-enhanced fluorescence platforms based on plasmonic ordered copper arrays: wavelength dependence of quenching and enhancement effects

Ordered arrays of copper nanostructures were fabricated and modified with porphyrin molecules in order to evaluate fluorescence enhancement due to the localized surface plasmon resonance. The nanostructures were prepared by thermally depositing copper on the upper hemispheres of two-dimensional silica colloidal crystals. The wavelength at which the surface plasmon resonance of the nanostructures was generated was tuned to a longer wavelength than the interband transition region of copper (>590 nm) by controlling the diameter of the underlying silica particles. Immobilization of porphyrin monolayers onto the nanostructures was achieved via self-assembly of 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid, which also suppressed the oxidation of the copper surface. The maximum fluorescence enhancement of porphyrin by a factor of 89.2 was achieved as compared with that on a planar Cu plate (CuP) due to the generation of the surface plasmon resonance. Furthermore, it was found that while the fluorescence from the porphyrin was quenched within the interband transition region, it was efficiently enhanced at longer wavelengths. It was demonstrated that the enhancement induced by the proximity of the fluorophore to the nanostructures was enough to overcome the highly efficient quenching effects of the metal. From these results, it is speculated that the surface plasmon resonance of copper has tremendous potential for practical use as high functional plasmonic sensor and devices.

Relaxation of surface tension in the liquid-solid interfaces of Lennard-Jones liquids

We have established the surface tension relaxation time in the liquid-solid interfaces of Lennard-Jones (LJ) liquids by means of direct measurements in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The main result is that the relaxation time is found to be almost independent of the molecular structures and viscosity of the liquids (at 70-fold change) used in our study and lies in such a range that in slow hydrodynamic motion the interfaces are expected to be at equilibrium. The implications of our results for the modeling of dynamic wetting processes and interpretation of dynamic contact angle data are discussed.

Solvent-responsive wettability of self-assembled monolayers of dithiooctanoic acid derivatives bearing N,N-disubstituted amide groups

We have designed and synthesized two dithiooctanoic acid derivatives bearing N,N-disubstituted amide groups and used them to fabricate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold surface. These films showed a reversible changes in wettability, one of which was indicated by surface contact angle switching between 40° and 59° upon alternating treatment with ethanol and cyclohexane. NMR experimental results of a model molecule suggest that the solvent-responsive wettability of the SAMs could be related with the changes in the relative populations of two stereoisomers of amide. The solvent responsivity of SAMs fabricated from other two amides was also studied, and the results confirmed that N,N-disubstitution was essential for an amide-containing SAM to have stimuli responsivity. Thus, introduction of a functional group exhibiting controlled isomerization of conformation could be an effective strategy for designing new stimuli-responsive materials.

Modulation of the deswelling temperature of thermoresponsive microgel films

We demonstrate fine-tuning of the deswelling temperatures of thermoresponsive microgels within a biologically relevant range (30-40 °C). This was achieved by copolymerizing N-isopropylacrylamide and N-isopropylmethacrylamide (NIPAm and NIPMAm, respectively) in varying ratios; the parent homopolymers are well-known thermoresponsive polymers. Polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer (LbL) assemblies of these microgels retain the temperature response properties as demonstrated by temperature-dependent light scattering. Furthermore, films composed of more than one type of microgel building block were shown to have multiple temperature responses similar to those observed for the individual building blocks, permitting further tailoring of the temperature responsive interface. Additional experiments with mixed composition films, investigating multiple assembly processes, show that the location of the microgels within the film does not interfere with the temperature response. This suggests that microgels within the polyelectrolyte assembly behave independently of neighboring microgels with respect to their thermally induced deswelling.

25th anniversary article: Dynamic interfaces for responsive encapsulation systems

Encapsulation systems are urgently needed both as micrometer and sub-micrometer capsules for active chemicals' delivery, to encapsulate biological objects and capsules immobilized on surfaces for a wide variety of advanced applications. Methods for encapsulation, prolonged storage and controllable release are discussed in this review. Formation of stimuli responsive systems via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly, as well as via mobile chemical bonding (hydrogen bonds, chemisorptions) and formation of special dynamic stoppers are presented. The most essential advances of the systems presented are multifunctionality and responsiveness to a multitude of stimuli - the possibility of formation of multi-modal systems. Specific examples of advanced applications - drug delivery, diagnostics, tissue engineering, lab-on-chip and organ-on-chip, bio-sensors, membranes, templates for synthesis, optical systems, and antifouling, self-healing materials and coatings - are provided. Finally, we try to outline emerging developments.

Robust carboxylic acid-terminated organic thin films and nanoparticle protectants generated from bidentate alkanethiols

A new carboxylic acid-terminated alkanethiol having bidentate character, 16-(3,5-bis(mercaptomethyl)phenoxy)hexadecanoic acid (BMPHA), was designed as an absorbate and protectant to form thermally stable carboxylic acid-terminated organic thin films on flat gold and nanoparticles, respectively. The structural features of the organic thin films derived from BMPHA were characterized by ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), and compared to those derived from mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHA) and 16-(4-(mercaptomethyl)phenoxy)hexadecanoic acid (MMPHA). This study demonstrates that films derived from BMPHA are less densely packed than films derived from MHA and MMPHA. However, the results of solution-phase thermal desorption tests revealed that the carboxylic acid-terminated films generated from BMPHA exhibit an enhanced thermal stability compared to those generated from MHA and MMPHA. Furthermore, as a nanoparticle protectant, BMPHA can be used to stabilize large gold nanoparticles (~45 nm diameter) in solution, and BMPHA-protected gold nanoparticles exhibited a high thermal stability in solution thermolysis studies.

Transparent surface with reversibly switchable wettability between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity

In the present work, we have successfully fabricated a polyelectrolyte-tethered transparent surface on which superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity can be reversibly switched via counterion exchange between the chloride ion (Cl(-)) and perfluorooctanoate ion (PFO(-)). The stable superhydrophobic state can be obtained only when a certain extent of fluorine is chemically incorporated into the grafted polyelectrolyte. The counterion exchange does not have any influence on the transmittance of the transparent surface. The superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity can be reversibly switched on the surface for many cycles without any apparent damage to the wetting properties. Additionally, the transparent surface can be applied to prepare smart glass displays to hide and convey information by patterning the counterion distribution on the surface on the basis of the different antifogging properties between superphydrophobic and superhydrophilic surfaces.

Development of functional polymer surfaces with controlled wettability

There is a demand for surfaces with new functional properties in almost all industrial branches. During the next few years, research input will be required for the development of coatings exhibiting an easy-to-clean or self-cleaning ability, switchability so that they can act as sensors/actuators, and defined tribological/mechanical properties and long-term stability. To achieve such behavior, the development of new advanced functional coatings that exhibit the proper chemistry and surface structure is necessary. In this Feature Article, we provide a review of the research activities in our laboratory on the development of functional and, especially, reversibly switchable polymer surfaces where the emphasis is on controlling their wettability. We will first discuss the fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces by hierarchically micro- and nanostructuring a substrate surface with an ultrafast laser followed by appropriate hydrophobization. Then, we will summarize the development of surfaces that can alter their wetting behavior in response to changes in external stimuli such as humidity and light illumination. Finally, we will present our investigations on utilizing responsive (organic) coatings on hierarchically roughened substrates for the development of surfaces, which would be able to switch reversibly from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic and water-repellent in response to an external stimulus (in this case, pH).

Nanoscale dynamics and protein adhesivity of alkylamine self-assembled monolayers on graphene

Atomic-scale molecular dynamics computer simulations are used to probe the structure, dynamics, and energetics of alkylamine self-assembled monolayer (SAM) films on graphene and to model the formation of molecular bilayers and protein complexes on the films. Routes toward the development and exploitation of functionalized graphene structures are detailed here, and we show that the SAM architecture can be tailored for use in emerging applications (e.g., electrically stimulated nerve fiber growth via the targeted binding of specific cell surface peptide sequences on the functionalized graphene scaffold). The simulations quantify the changes in film physisorption on graphene and the alkyl chain packing efficiency as the film surface is made more polar by changing the terminal groups from methyl (-CH3) to amine (-NH2) to hydroxyl (-OH). The mode of molecule packing dictates the orientation and spacing between terminal groups on the surface of the SAM, which determines the way in which successive layers build up on the surface, whether via the formation of bilayers of the molecule or the immobilization of other (macro)molecules (e.g., proteins) on the SAM. The simulations show the formation of ordered, stable assemblies of monolayers and bilayers of decylamine-based molecules on graphene. These films can serve as protein adsorption platforms, with a hydrophobin protein showing strong and selective adsorption by binding via its hydrophobic patch to methyl-terminated films and binding to amine-terminated films using its more hydrophilic surface regions. Design rules obtained from modeling the atomic-scale structure of the films and interfaces may provide input into experiments for the rational design of assemblies in which the electronic, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of the substrate, film, and protein layer can be tuned to provide the desired functionality.

Smart transportation between three phases through a stimulus-responsive functionally cooperating device

A "smart", functionally cooperating device consisting of a platinum strip and steel bead inside a nickel foam cube with a temperature-responsive polymer coating shows a diving-surfacing cycle when the water temperature first falls below and then rises above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the polymer, which marks the change from superhydrophobicity to superhydrophilicity. Furthermore, the smart device allows a cycled directional delivery of lipophilic molecules between three phases.

An electrically reversible switchable surface to control and study early bacterial adhesion dynamics in real-time

Bacterial adhesion can be controlled by applying electrical potentials to surfaces incorporating well-spaced negatively charged 11-mercaptoundecanoic acids. When combined with electrochemical surface plasmon resonance, these dynamic surfaces become powerful for monitoring and analysing the passage between reversible and non-reversible cell adhesion, opening new opportunities to advance our understanding of cell adhesion processes.