| Autor: |
Raj SS; Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560029, India. vinod.tp@christuniversity.in., Mathew RM; Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560029, India. vinod.tp@christuniversity.in., Davis D; Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560029, India. vinod.tp@christuniversity.in., Varanakkottu SN; Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology Calicut, 673601, India., Srinivasan A; Division of Nanoscience and Technology, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India., T P V; Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560029, India. vinod.tp@christuniversity.in. |
| Abstrakt: |
We have developed a simple and effective method to prepare stable wettability gradients on an elastomeric soft substrate, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). In our method, a partially cured PDMS film composed of a definite ratio of elastomer and crosslinking agent was heated over a hot surface with a temperature gradient. This causes differential thermal curing of the PDMS film and the water contact angle (wettability) of the resultant surface showed gradual variation across the length. This method allows us to design and fabricate wettability gradients with rationally controlled directionality and shapes ( e.g. , linear and radial gradients). The stability of the wettability gradients was studied and a chemical treatment method was developed to enhance the stability at room temperature. Stable wettability gradients prepared through this method can find applications as reliable platforms and scaffolds offering controlled or directional wetting and adhesion. We have demonstrated the practical applications of the wettability gradients in directional water collection, controlled crystallization of materials, and controlled cell adhesion of HeLa cells, osteoblasts and NIH/3T3 cells. The multi-functional characteristics of these wettable gradients are expected to be handy in other domains using soft materials and interfaces also. |
