A facile photochemical surface modification technique for the generation of microstructured fluorinated surfaces

Applications of single-cell sequencing in cancer research: progress and perspectives

Single-cell sequencing, including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics and metabolomics sequencing, is a powerful tool to decipher the cellular and molecular landscape at a single-cell resolution, unlike bulk sequencing, which provides averaged data. The use of single-cell sequencing in cancer research has revolutionized our understanding of the biological characteristics and dynamics within cancer lesions. In this review, we summarize emerging single-cell sequencing technologies and recent cancer research progress obtained by single-cell sequencing, including information related to the landscapes of malignant cells and immune cells, tumor heterogeneity, circulating tumor cells and the underlying mechanisms of tumor biological behaviors. Overall, the prospects of single-cell sequencing in facilitating diagnosis, targeted therapy and prognostic prediction among a spectrum of tumors are bright. In the near future, advances in single-cell sequencing will undoubtedly improve our understanding of the biological characteristics of tumors and highlight potential precise therapeutic targets for patients.

Bioactive Hydrogel Marbles

Liquid marbles represented a significant advance in the manipulation of fluids as they used particle films to confine liquid drops, creating a robust and durable soft solid. We exploit this technology to engineering a bioactive hydrogel marble (BHM). Specifically, pristine bioactive glass nanoparticles were chemically tuned to produce biocompatible hydrophobic bioactive glass nanoparticles (H-BGNPs) that shielded a gelatin-based bead. The designed BHM shell promoted the growth of a bone-like apatite layer upon immersion in a physiological environment. The fabrication process allowed the efficient incorporation of drugs and cells into the engineered structure. The BHM provided a simultaneously controlled release of distinct encapsulated therapeutic model molecules. Moreover, the BHM sustained cell encapsulation in a 3D environment as demonstrated by an excellent in vitro stability and cytocompatibility. The engineered structures also showed potential to regulate a pre-osteoblastic cell line into osteogenic commitment. Overall, these hierarchical nanostructured and functional marbles revealed a high potential for future applications in bone tissue engineering.

Extending the Lotus Effect: Repairing Superhydrophobic Surfaces after Contamination or Damage by CHic Chemistry

Superhydrophobic surfaces have gained a reputation to show a self-cleaning behavior ("Lotus effect") as drops rolling off the surface take along loosely adhering dust particles. However, this self-cleaning process reaches its limits when such surfaces are brought in contact with sticky contaminants such as oils and smaller particles. Once intimate contact is established between the surface and a small particle, it will be almost impossible to remove it because of strong surface interactions. Such contaminations, however, lead to contact line pinning and destroy the superhydrophobic effect. Because the fragility of the micro- and nanostructures prohibits any mechanical cleaning, the sample is usually doomed. Here, we report a universal method for restoring superhydrophobicity: by simple dip-coating, a conformal ultrathin layer (≈10 nm) of a highly hydrophobic and photoreactive fluoropolymer is deposited. Through short UV irradiation (5 min), this thin layer is cross-linked and chemically attached to the underlying surface by C,H-insertion cross-linking, thus covering the contaminant like a thin veil. We use this "cover-up" strategy of masking the contaminants to restore superhydrophobicity. We demonstrate this principle by deliberately soiling the surface with various model contaminants, such as oily substances and particles, and study the repair process.

"Nickel Nanoflowers" with Surface-Attached Fluoropolymer Networks by C,H Insertion for the Generation of Metallic Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Metallic superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) combine the attractive properties of metals, such as ductility, hardness, and conductivity, with the favorable wetting properties of nanostructured surfaces. Moreover, they promise additional benefits with respect to corrosion protection. For the modification of the intrinsically polar and hydrophilic surfaces of metals, a new method has been developed to deposit a long-term stable, highly hydrophobic coating, using nanostructured Ni surfaces as an example. Such substrates were chosen because the deposition of a thin Ni layer is a common choice for enhancing corrosion resistance of other metals. As the hydrophobic coating, we propose a thin film of an extremely hydrophobic fluoropolymer network. To form this network, a thin layer of a fluoropolymer precursor is deposited on the Ni substrate which includes a comonomer that is capable of C,H insertion cross-linking (CHic). Upon UV irradiation or heating, the cross-linker units become activated and the thin glassy film of the precursor is transformed into a polymer network that coats the surface conformally and permanently, as shown by extensive extraction experiments. To achieve an even higher stability, the same precursor film can also be transformed into a chemically surface-attached network by depositing a self-assembled monolayer of an alkane phosphonic acid on the Ni before coating with the precursor. During cross-linking, by the same chemical process, the growing polymer network will simultaneously attach to the alkane phosphonic acid layer at the surface of the metal. This strategy has been used to turn fractal Ni "nanoflower" surfaces grown by anisotropic electroplating into SHSs. The wetting characteristics of the obtained nanostructured metallic surfaces are studied. Additionally, the corrosion protection effect and the significant mechanical durability are demonstrated.

UV-Curable Contact Active Benzophenone Terminated Quaternary Ammonium Antimicrobials for Applications in Polymer Plastics and Related Devices

A series of UV active benzophenone ([C₆H₅COC₆H₄-O-(CH₂)_n-N⁺Me₂R][X^-]; 4, R = C₁₂H₂₅, n = 3, X^- = Br^-; 5a-c, R = C₁₈H₃₇, n = 3, X^- = Cl^-, Br^-, I^-; 6a-c, R = C₁₈H₃₇, n = 4, X^- = Cl^-, Br^-, I^-; 7a-c, R = C₁₈H₃₇, n = 6, X^- = Cl^-, Br^-, I^-) terminated C₁₂ and C₁₈ quaternary ammonium salts (QACs) were prepared by thermal or microwave-driven Menshutkin protocols of the appropriate benzophenone alkyl halide (1a-c, 2a-c, 3a-c) with the corresponding dodecyl- or octadecyl N,N-dimethylamine. All new compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, HRMS spectrometry, and, in one instance (4), by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Representative C₁₂ and C₁₈ benzophenone QACs were formulated into 1% (w/v) water or water/ethanol-based aerosol spray coatings and then UV-cured onto plastic substrates (polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyether ether ketone) with exposure to low to moderate doses of UV (20-30 J cm^-2). Confirmation as to the presence of the coatings was detected by advancing water contact angle measurements, which revealed a more hydrophilic surface after coating. Further confirmation was gained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and bromophenol blue staining, all of which showed the presence of the attached quaternary ammonium molecule. Analysis of surfaces treated with the C₁₈ benzophenone 5b by atomic force microscopy and surface profilometry revealed a coating thickness of ∼350 nm. The treated samples along with controls were then evaluated for their antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive (Arthrobacter sp., Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria at a solid/air interface using the large drop inoculum protocol; this technique gave no evidence for cell adhesion after a 3 h time frame. These antimicrobial materials show promise for their use as coatings on plastic biomedical devices with the aim of preventing biofilm formation and preventing the spread of hospital acquired infections.

Molting Materials: Restoring Superhydrophobicity after Severe Damage via Snakeskin-like Shedding

The nanostructures that are required to generate superhydrophobic surfaces are always sensitive to shear and are easily damaged, especially by scratching with sharp objects. As a result of this destruction, the water repellency will be lost. We introduce a novel approach to restoring the original surface properties after mechanical damage. In this approach, the damaged layer is shed like the skin of a snake. This is demonstrated with a three-layer stack as a proof-of-principle system: when the original, superhydrophobic surface layer is damaged, this leads to the dissolution of a sacrificial layer below it. Thus, the damaged layer is shed, a new unscathed surface is uncovered, and superhydrophobicity can easily be restored after a short washing.

Durable, self-healing, superhydrophobic fabrics from fluorine-free, waterborne, polydopamine/alkyl silane coatings

Superhydrophobic fabrics prepared from a polydopamine coating show high water repellency, good durability and self-healing property.

The Life of Pi Star: Exploring the Exciting and Forbidden Worlds of the Benzophenone Photophore

The widespread applications of benzophenone (BP) photochemistry in biological chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, and material science have been prominent in both academic and industrial research. BP photophores have unique photochemical properties: upon n-π* excitation at 365 nm, a biradicaloid triplet state is formed reversibly, which can abstract a hydrogen atom from accessible C-H bonds; the radicals subsequently recombine, creating a stable covalent C-C bond. This light-directed covalent attachment process is exploited in many different ways: (i) binding/contact site mapping of ligand (or protein)-protein interactions; (ii) identification of molecular targets and interactome mapping; (iii) proteome profiling; (iv) bioconjugation and site-directed modification of biopolymers; (v) surface grafting and immobilization. BP photochemistry also has many practical advantages, including low reactivity toward water, stability in ambient light, and the convenient excitation at 365 nm. In addition, several BP-containing building blocks and reagents are commercially available. In this review, we explore the "forbidden" (transitions) and excitation-activated world of photoinduced covalent attachment of BP photophores by touring a colorful palette of recent examples. In this exploration, we will see the pros and cons of using BP photophores, and we hope that both novice and expert photolabelers will enjoy and be inspired by the breadth and depth of possibilities.

Electroless Deposition of Nickel on Photografted Polymeric Microscale Patterns

This report demonstrates the electroless deposition of Ni onto micropatterns of poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) photografted to phthalimide-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). PAA is spin-coated onto phthalimide SAMs and covered with a photomask. UV irradiation selectively binds PAA to exposed regions of the surface, allowing PAA on unexposed regions to be rinsed off. A Pd catalyst is then selectively adsorbed to regions of the surface where PAA is bound. The adsorbed catalyst selectively initiates Ni plating upon immersion of the substrate into a Ni(SO₄ ) bath.

Polymer Coatings of Cochlear Implant Electrode Surface - An Option for Improving Electrode-Nerve-Interface by Blocking Fibroblast Overgrowth

Overgrowth of connective tissue and scar formation induced by the electrode array insertion increase the impedance and, thus, diminish the interactions between neural probes as like cochlear implants (CI) and the target tissue. Therefore, it is of great clinical interest to modify the carrier material of the electrodes to improve the electrode nerve interface for selective cell adhesion. On one side connective tissue growth needs to be reduced to avoid electrode array encapsulation, on the other side the carrier material should not compromise the interaction with neuronal cells. The present in vitro-study qualitatively and quantitatively characterises the interaction of fibroblasts, glial cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) with ultrathin poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAA), poly(2-ethyloxazoline) (PEtOx) and poly([2-methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammoniumchlorid) (PMTA) films immobilised onto glass surfaces using a photoreactive anchor layer. The layer thickness and hydrophilicity of the polymer films were characterised by ellipsometric and water contact angle measurement. Moreover the topography of the surfaces was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The neuronal and non-neuronal cells were dissociated from spiral ganglions of postnatal rats and cultivated for 48 h on top of the polymer coatings. Immunocytochemical staining of neuronal and intermediary filaments revealed that glial cells predominantly attached on PMTA films, but not on PDMAA and PEtOx monolayers. Hereby, strong survival rates and neurite outgrowth were only found on PMTA, whereas PDMAA and PEtOx coatings significantly reduced the SG neuron survival and neuritogenesis. As also shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) SGN strongly survived and retained their differentiated phenotype only on PMTA. In conclusion, survival and neuritogenesis of SGN may be associated with the extent of the glial cell growth. Since PMTA was the only of the polar polymers used in this study bearing a cationic charge, it can be assumed that this charge favours adhesion of both glial cells and SG neurons glial cells and SGN.

Surfaces with combined microscale and nanoscale structures: a route to mechanically stable superhydrophobic surfaces?

Materials with superhydrophobic properties are usually generated by covering the surfaces with hydrophobic nanoscale rough features. A major problem, however, for any practical application of such strongly water-repellent surfaces is the mechanical fragility of the nanostructures. Even moderate forces caused by touching or rubbing the surfaces are frequently strong enough to destroy the nanostructures and lead to the loss of the superhydrophobic properties. In this article, we study the mechanical stability of superhydrophobic surfaces with three different topographies: nano- and microscale features and surfaces carrying a combination of both. The surfaces are generated by silicon etching and subsequent coating with a monolayer of a fluoropolymer (PFA). We perform controlled wear tests on the different surfaces and discuss the impact of wear on the wetting properties of the different surfaces.

Low dielectric and low surface free energy flexible linear aliphatic alkoxy core bridged bisphenol cyanate ester based POSS nanocomposites

The aim of the present work is to develop a new type of flexible linear aliphatic alkoxy core bridged bisphenol cyanate ester (AECE) based POSS nanocomposites for low k applications. The POSS-AECE nanocomposites were developed by incorporating varying weight percentages (0, 5, and 10 wt %) of octakis (dimethylsiloxypropylglycidylether) silsesquioxane (OG-POSS) into cyanate esters. Data from thermal and dielectric studies imply that the POSS reinforced nanocomposite exhibits higher thermal stability and low dielectric value of k = 2.4 (10 wt% POSS-AECE4) compared than those of neat AECE. From the contact angle measurement, it is inferred that, the increase in the percentage incorporation of POSS in to AECE, the values of water contact angle was enhanced. Further, the value of surface free energy was lower when compared to that of neat AECE. The molecular level dispersion of POSS into AECE was ascertained from SEM and TEM analyses.

Superaerophobicity: repellence of air bubbles from submerged, surface-engineered silicon substrates

Captive bubble experiments on surface-engineered silicon substrates with precisely tuned roughness and surface chemistry are reported. In these experiments, the substrates were submerged into water, and air bubbles were dispensed from below. Our measurements revealed a bubble-repellent behavior, with bubbles freely moving around on the submerged surfaces. Drawing an analogy to drops on superhydrophobic surfaces, this behavior is termed "superaerophobic", and the observed effects are explained with the formation of a composite wetting contact between bubble and substrate. The thermodynamics of the "superaerophobic" wetting state are analyzed, and an equation for the equilibrium contact angle is given.

Light-induced switching of surfaces at wetting transitions through photoisomerization of polymer monolayers

We report on a method to generate surfaces whose wettability can be reversibly switched between a superhydrophobic and Wenzel state or a Wenzel and superwetting state just by a short UV or VIS irradiation. To achieve this, we generate a silicon surface with a nanoscale roughness ("black silicon") and attach a polymer monolayer to it. The polymer contains a fluorinated azobenzene moiety which can be switched between the cis and trans state depending on the wavelength of the light used during illumination. The surface energy of the polymer coating is carefully adjusted to the energy value which separates distinct wetting regimes of the nanorough surface. This coupling of light induced switching to a transition of the wetting regimes can cause changes in the water contact angle as high as Δθ = 140° in the advancing CA or more than 175° in the receding CA even when the surface energy is changed only in a rather small range. Short irradiation times with UV or VIS light are enough to change the roll-off angle from <5° to no roll off at all and back. We discuss the requirements necessary so that large changes in the contact angle occur during photoswitching processes on rough surfaces.

Using light to covalently immobilize and pattern nanoparticles onto surfaces

There is considerable current interest in developing methods to integrate nanoparticles into optical, electronic, and biological systems due to their unique size-dependent properties and controllable shape. We report herein a versatile new approach for covalent immobilization of nanoparticles onto substrates modified with photoactive, phthalimide-functional, self-assembled monolayers. Upon illumination with UV radiation, the phthalimide group abstracts a hydrogen atom from a neighboring organic molecule, leading to radical-based photografting reactions. The approach is potentially "universal" since virtually any polymeric or organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticle can be covalently immobilized in this fashion. Because grafting is confined to illuminated regions that undergo photoexcitation, masking provides a simple and direct method for nanoparticle patterning. To illustrate the technique, nanoparticles formed from diblock copolymers of poly(styrene-b-polyethylene oxide) and laden with Hostasol Red dye are photografted and patterned onto glass and silicon substrates modified with photoactive phthalimide-silane self-assembled monolayers. Atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are applied to characterize the grafted nanoparticle films while confocal fluorescence microscopy is used to image patterned nanoparticle deposition.

Quantitative photochemical immobilization of biomolecules on planar and corrugated substrates: a versatile strategy for creating functional biointerfaces

Methods for the generation of substratespresenting biomolecules in a spatially controlled manner are enabling tools for applications in biosensor systems, microarray technologies, fundamental biological studies and biointerface science. We have implemented a method to create biomolecular patterns by using light to control the direct covalent immobilization of biomolecules onto benzophenone-modified glass substrates. We have generated substrates presenting up to three different biomolecules patterned in sequence, and demonstrate biomolecular photopatterning on corrugated substrates. The chemistry of the underlying monolayer was optimized to incorporate poly(ethylene glycol) to enable adhesive cell adhesion onto patterned extracellular matrix proteins. Substrates were characterized with contact angle goniometry, AFM, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Importantly, radioimmunoassays were performed to quantify the site density of immobilized biomolecules on photopatterned substrates. Retained function of photopatterned proteins was demonstrated both by native ligand recognition and cell adhesion to photopatterned substrates, revealing that substrates generated with this method are suitable for probing specific cell receptor-ligand interactions. This molecularly general photochemical patterning method is an enabling tool for the creation of substrates presenting both biochemical and topographical variation, which is an important feature of many native biointerfaces.

Probing dynamic cell-substrate interactions using photochemically generated surface-immobilized gradients: application to selectin-mediated leukocyte rolling

Model substrates presenting biochemical cues immobilized in a controlled and well-defined manner are of great interest for their applications in biointerface studies that elucidate the molecular basis of cell receptor-ligand interactions. Herein, we describe a direct, photochemical method to generate surface-immobilized biomolecular gradients that are applied to the study of selectin-mediated leukocyte rolling. The technique employs benzophenone-modified glass substrates, which upon controlled exposure to UV light (350-365 nm) in the presence of protein-containing solutions facilitate the generation of covalently immobilized protein gradients. Conditions were optimized to generate gradient substrates presenting P-selectin and PSGL-1 (P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1) immobilized at site densities over a 5- to 10-fold range (from as low as ∼200 molecules μm(-2) to as high as 6000 molecules μm(-2)). The resulting substrates were quantitatively characterized via fluorescence analysis and radioimmunoassays before their use in the leukocyte rolling assays. HL-60 promyelocytes and Jurkat T lymphocytes were assessed for their ability to tether to and roll on substrates presenting immobilized P-selectin and PSGL-1 under conditions of physiologically relevant shear stress. The results of these flow assays reveal the combined effect of immobilized protein site density and applied wall shear stress on cell rolling behavior. Two-component substrates presenting P-selectin and ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) were also generated to assess the interplay between these two proteins and their effect on cell rolling and adhesion. These proof-of-principle studies verify that the described gradient generation approach yields well-defined gradient substrates that present immobilized proteins over a large range of site densities that are applicable for investigation of cell-materials interactions, including multi-parameter leukocyte flow studies. Future applications of this enabling methodology may lead to new insights into the biophysical phenomena and molecular mechanism underlying complex biological processes such as leukocyte recruitment and the inflammatory response.

Porous organic nanolayers for coating of solid-state devices

Background

Highly hydrophobic surfaces can have very low surface energy and such low surface energy biological interfaces can be obtained using fluorinated coatings on surfaces. Deposition of biocompatible organic films on solid-state surfaces is attained with techniques like plasma polymerization, biomineralization and chemical vapor deposition. All these require special equipment or harsh chemicals. This paper presents a simple vapor-phase approach to directly coat solid-state surfaces with biocompatible films without any harsh chemical or plasma treatment. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers were used for reaction and deposition of nanolayer films. The monomers were characterized and showed a very consistent coating of 3D micropore structures.

Results

The coating showed nano-textured surface morphology which can aid cell growth and provide rich molecular functionalization. The surface properties of the obtained film were regulated by varying monomer concentrations, reaction time and the vacuum pressure in a simple reaction chamber. Films were characterized by contact angle analysis for surface energy and with profilometer to measure the thickness. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the chemical composition of the coated films. Variations in the FTIR results with respect to different concentrations of monomers showed the chemical composition of the resulting films.

Conclusion

The presented approach of vapor-phase coating of solid-state structures is important and applicable in many areas of bio-nano interface development. The exposure of coatings to the solutions of different pH showed the stability of the coatings in chemical surroundings. The organic nanocoating of films can be used in bio-implants and many medical devices.

Biocompatible nanolayered polymerization of MEMS devices

Deposition of polymeric and biocompatible nanolayers on the solid-state substrates is done using a simple vacuum chamber. The chemical characteristics of the deposited nanolayer are analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface morphology of the nanolayers is analyzed using contact angle goniometer and scanning electron microscopy. The coated nanolayers show excellent stability in different chemical surroundings including the physiological pH therefore making it applicable in coating 3D MEMS devices and body implants which need medicated coating. A micropore is coated with this approach and results depict uniform coating of the structure.

Direct biophotolithographic method for generating substrates with multiple overlapping biomolecular patterns and gradients

We describe an approach to generate multicomponent surface-immobilized patterns and gradients on the basis of the photochemically controlled covalent coupling of solution-phase biomolecules to benzophenone-modified substrates. Gradients were simply achieved by continuously varying the exposure to nondamaging UV light across the surface with the gradient profile controlled by biomolecule concentration and the spatial and temporal illumination of the surface. Sequential exposure of the same surface in the presence of different biomolecules resulted in overlapping patterns and gradients of proteins and carbohydrates. Finally, we preliminarily demonstrate that the resulting surfaces are suitable for generating model substrates to probe cell-substrate interactions.

Fluoro-silsesquioxane-urethane hybrid for thin film applications

New fluoropolyurethane hybrids containing fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane were synthesized for thin film applications using fluoro(13) disilanol isobutyl-POSS (FluoroPOSS) and a short chain fluorodiol and diisocyanate. The kinetics of the urethane reaction was monitored using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the formation of urethane was confirmed using (29)Si Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The effect of addition of FluoroPOSS either in the I step or II step of the two step polymerization reaction is evaluated using various spectroscopic, thermal, microscopic, and diffraction techniques. In general, the major shortcoming of the lack of flexibility of fluoropolyurethane from short chain diol and diisocyanate has been overcome by the use of tethered FluoroPOSS. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscpopy (AFM), and contact angle measurements on the hybrid thin films on silicon wafer demonstrate the migration of FluoroPOSS segment to the air-thin film interface when FluoroPOSS is used in I stage reaction, and it resides at the interface when used as a chain extender. However, in both cases, the formed thin film exhibits ultrahydrophobicity with water contact angle of approximately 107 degrees and low contact angle hysteresis and solvent resistance, which are preferable for protective thin film applications.

Ultrahydrophobicity of Polydimethylsiloxanes-Based Multilayered Thin Films

The formation of polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMSs)-based layer-by-layer multilayer ultrathin films on charged surfaces prepared from water and phosphate buffer solutions has been investigated. The multilayer films prepared under these conditions showed different surface roughness. Nanoscale islands and network structures were observed homogeneously on the multilayer film prepared from pure water solutions, which is attributing to the ultrahydrobic property of the multilayer film. The formation of nanoscale islands and network structures was due to the aggregation of PDMS-based polyelectrolytes in water. This work provides a facile approach for generating ultrahydrophobic thin films on any charged surfaces by PDMS polyelectrolytes.

Mimicking the stenocara beetle--dewetting of drops from a patterned superhydrophobic surface

This paper describes the preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces that have been selectively patterned with circular hydrophilic domains. These materials mimicked the back of the stenocara beetle and collected drops of water if exposed to mist or fog. Under the effect of gravity, the drops dewetted from the hydrophilic regions once a critical volume had been reached. The surface energy in the hydrophilic regions was carefully controlled and assumed various values, allowing us to study the behavior of drops as a function of the superhydrophobic/hydrophilic contrast. We have investigated the development of drops and quantitatively analyzed the critical volumes as a function of several parameters.

Drops on microstructured surfaces coated with hydrophilic polymers: Wenzel's model and beyond

In the experiments described in this paper, micromachined silicon post surfaces were coated with thin films of a polymer for which the contact angle on the smooth material was around 70 degrees . Drops wetted these surfaces in the Wenzel or "penetration" mode. We have determined the advancing and receding angles as a function of the roughness geometry and quantitatively compared our results to the contact angles predicted by Wenzel's model. We discuss reasons for discrepancies and propose a model for the motion of the meniscus where we take into account the precise shape of the liquid front during its movement through the post structure.

One-step coating of fluoro-containing silica nanoparticles for universal generation of surface superhydrophobicity

Stable superhydrophobic surfaces with water contact angles over 170 degrees and sliding angles below 7 degrees were produced by simply coating a particulate silica sol solution of co-hydrolysed TEOS/fluorinated alkyl silane with NH(3).H(2)O on various substrates, including textile fabrics (e.g. polyester, wool and cotton), electrospun nanofibre mats, filter papers, glass slides, and silicon wafers.

Covalent sidewall functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes: a photoreduction approach

Covalent sidewall functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) via photoreduction of aromatic ketones by alcohols is reported for the first time. Irradiation of benzophenone, benzhydrol and SWNTs in benzene resulted in covalent attachment of benzhydrol to the sidewalls of the SWNTs. A variety of tools were used to characterize the functionalized SWNTs. Raman scattering, UV-visible and near-IR spectroscopy confirm the covalent nature of the sidewall functionalization. Attenuated total reflection (ATR) FTIR and NMR provided evidence for attachment of benzhydrol onto the sidewalls of nanotubes. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the degree of functionalization was about one benzhydrol in 52 sidewall carbons. A long-chain hydrocarbon marker (n-C(18)H(35)) was also grafted onto the functional groups by esterification reaction for high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) visualization.

Photons to illuminate the universe of sugar diversity through bioarrays

In this mini-review, we summarize the photochemical approaches for developing high-throughput carbohydrate microarray technologies. Newly established methods for photo-immobilizing unmodified monosaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides onto photoactive surfaces and coupling of photoactive carbohydrates onto polymer surfaces are reviewed.

Condensation and wetting transitions on microstructured ultra-hydrophobic surfaces

On rough surfaces, two distinct wetting modes can appear. These two states are usually described by the theories of Cassie (drops suspended on top of roughness features) and Wenzel (drops impaled on roughness features). Whereas the wetting transition from the Cassie to the Wenzel state has been relatively well studied both experimentally and theoretically, the question of whether metastable Wenzel drops exist and how they transition to the Cassie state has remained open. In this work, we study the wetting behavior of microstructured post surfaces coated with a hydrophobic fluoropolymer. Through condensation, the formation of metastable Wenzel droplets is induced. We show that under certain conditions drops can transition from the Wenzel to the Cassie state.

Advancing and receding motion of droplets on ultrahydrophobic post surfaces

We have fabricated a range of silicon post surfaces where post width and spacing have been systematically varied. As one subset, we have generated surfaces where the post spacings in x and y assume different values. On these surfaces, the dynamic contact angles become anisotropic. A fluoropolymer monolayer is photochemically attached to the microstructured silicon, leading to the appearance of ultrahydrophobic properties. On one side, the advancing contact angles on these surfaces are not affected by variations in the geometric parameters. This furthers the conclusion that, during the advancing motion, a true contact angle of 180 degrees is reached. On the other side, the receding angles are strongly influenced by the post size and spacing. We quantitatively analyze this dependence and relate variations in the receding angle to the shape and movement of the three-phase contact line. It is suggested that during the receding motion the meniscus successively dewets from one post at a time, with a step function running along the contact line until it has receded from a row of posts over its entire length.

Rapid Fabrication and Chemical Patterning of Polymer Microstructures and their Applications as a Platform for Cell Cultures

Much of the current knowledge regarding biological processes has been obtained through in-vitro studies in bulk aqueous solutions or in conventional Petri-dishes, with neither methodology accurately duplicating the actual in-vivo biological processes. Recently, a number of innovative approaches have attempted to address these shortcomings by providing substrates with controlled features. In particular, tunable surface chemistries and topographical micro and nanostructures have been used as model systems to study the complex biological processes. We herein report a versatile and rapid fabrication method to produce a variety of microstructured polymer substrates with precise control and tailoring of their surface chemistries. A poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrate, produced by replication over a master mold with specific microstructures, is modified by a fluoro siloxane derivative to enhance its anti-adhesion characteristics and used as a secondary replication mold. A curable material, deposited by spin coating on various substrates, is stamped with the secondary mold and crosslinked. The removal of the secondary mold produces a microstructured surface with the same topographical features as the initial master mold. The facile chemical patterning of the microstructured substrates is demonstrated through the use of microcontact printing methods and these materials are tested as a platform to guide cell attachment, growth and proliferation. The master mold and flexible fluorinated PDMS stamps can be used in a repeated manner without any degradation of the anti-adhesion characteristics opening the way to the development of high-throughput fabrication methods that can yield reliable and inexpensive microstructured and chemically patterned substrates.