Fabrication of superamphiphobic surface with hierarchical structures on metal substrate

Recent Advances in Superhydrophobic and Antibacterial Cellulose-Based Fibers and Fabrics: Bio-inspiration, Strategies, and Applications

Cellulose-based fabrics are ubiquitous in our daily lives. They are the preferred choice for bedding materials, active sportswear, and next-to-skin apparels. However, the hydrophilic and polysaccharide characteristics of cellulose materials make them vulnerable to bacterial attack and pathogen infection. The design of antibacterial cellulose fabrics has been a long-term and on-going effort. Fabrication strategies based on the construction of surface micro-/nanostructure, chemical modification, and the application of antibacterial agents have been extensively investigated by many research groups worldwide. This review systematically discusses recent research on super-hydrophobic and antibacterial cellulose fabrics, focusing on morphology construction and surface modification. First, natural surfaces showing liquid-repellent and antibacterial properties are introduced and the mechanisms behind are explained. Then, the strategies for fabricating super-hydrophobic cellulose fabrics are summarized, and the contribution of the liquid-repellent function to reducing the adhesion of live bacteria and removing dead bacteria is elucidated. Representative studies on cellulose fabrics functionalized with super-hydrophobic and antibacterial properties are discussed in detail, and their potential applications are also introduced. Finally, the challenges in achieving super-hydrophobic antibacterial cellulose fabrics are discussed, and the future research direction in this area is proposed.

Graphical Abstract

The figure summarizes the natural surfaces and the main fabrication strategies of superhydrophobic antibacterial cellulose fabrics and their potential applications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42765-023-00297-1.

Combining Topography and Chemistry to Produce Antibiofouling Surfaces: A Review

Despite decades of research on the reduction of surface fouling from biomolecules or micro-organisms, the ultimate antibiofouling surface remains undiscovered. The recent covid-19 pandemic strengthened the crucial need for such treatments. Among the numerous approaches that are able to provide surfaces with antibiofouling properties, chemical, biological, and topographical strategies have been implemented for instance in the marine, medical, or food industries. However, many of these methods have a biocidal effect and, with antibioresistance and biocide resistance a growing threat on humanity, strategies based on reducing adsorption of biomolecules and micro-organism are necessary for long-term solutions. Bioinspired strategies, combining both surface chemistry and topography, are currently at the heart of the best innovative and sustainable solutions. The synergistic effect of micro/nanostructuration, together with engineered chemical or biological functionalization is believed to contribute to the development of antibiofouling surfaces. This review aims to present approaches combining hydrophobic or hydrophilic chemistries with a specific topography to avoid biofouling in various industrial environments and healthcare facilities.

A Review of Fabrication Methods, Properties and Applications of Superhydrophobic Metals

Hydrophobicity and superhydrophobicity with self-cleaning properties are well-known characteristics of several natural surfaces, such as the leaves of the sacred lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera). To achieve a superhydrophobic state, micro- and nanometer scale topography should be realized on a low surface energy material, or a low surface energy coating should be deposited on top of the micro-nano topography if the material is inherently hydrophilic. Tailoring the surface chemistry and topography to control the wetting properties between extreme wetting states enables a palette of functionalities, such as self-cleaning, antifogging, anti-biofouling etc. A variety of surface topographies have been realized in polymers, ceramics, and metals. Metallic surfaces are particularly important in several engineering applications (e.g., naval, aircrafts, buildings, automobile) and their transformation to superhydrophobic can provide additional functionalities, such as corrosion protection, drag reduction, and anti-icing properties. This review paper focuses on the recent advances on superhydrophobic metals and alloys which can be applicable in real life applications and aims to provide an overview of the most promising methods to achieve sustainable superhydrophobicity.