Template-free precision synthesis of biphilic microdome arrays

Fuente: arXiv
Salvato in:
Dettagli Bibliografici
Autori principali: Xu, Haobo, Shu, Haonian, Yang, Rong
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2025
Soggetti:
Accesso online:
Tags: Aggiungi Tag
Nessun Tag, puoi essere il primo ad aggiungerne!!
_version_ 1866908571528069120
author Xu, Haobo
Shu, Haonian
Yang, Rong
author_facet Xu, Haobo
Shu, Haonian
Yang, Rong
contents Biphilic microdome arrays are ubiquitous in nature, but their synthetic counterparts have been scarce. To bridge that gap, we leverage condensed droplet polymerization (CDP) to enable their template-free synthesis. During CDP, monomer droplets serve as microreactors for free-radical polymerization. The droplet diameter is monitored in real time. To enable the precise prediction of the convex geometric parameters, we develop a theoretical framework that integrates geometric arguments, scaling analysis, and kinetic theories. The model accurately predicts the dimensions of the as-synthesized microdome arrays, pointing to unprecedented precision in the synthesis of such topography. To illustrate its impact, the methodology is used to enable biphilic microdomes with targeted dimensions, for the reduction of surface colonization by a biofilm-forming pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Importantly, the reduction is achieved with a moderately hydrophobic surface that has been considered prone to fouling, pointing to a fresh material design strategy and broadened palette of synthetic surfaces.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2510_00396
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Template-free precision synthesis of biphilic microdome arrays
Xu, Haobo
Shu, Haonian
Yang, Rong
Soft Condensed Matter
Chemical Physics
Biphilic microdome arrays are ubiquitous in nature, but their synthetic counterparts have been scarce. To bridge that gap, we leverage condensed droplet polymerization (CDP) to enable their template-free synthesis. During CDP, monomer droplets serve as microreactors for free-radical polymerization. The droplet diameter is monitored in real time. To enable the precise prediction of the convex geometric parameters, we develop a theoretical framework that integrates geometric arguments, scaling analysis, and kinetic theories. The model accurately predicts the dimensions of the as-synthesized microdome arrays, pointing to unprecedented precision in the synthesis of such topography. To illustrate its impact, the methodology is used to enable biphilic microdomes with targeted dimensions, for the reduction of surface colonization by a biofilm-forming pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Importantly, the reduction is achieved with a moderately hydrophobic surface that has been considered prone to fouling, pointing to a fresh material design strategy and broadened palette of synthetic surfaces.
title Template-free precision synthesis of biphilic microdome arrays
topic Soft Condensed Matter
Chemical Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.00396