Adhesion contact dynamics of fibroblasts on biomacromolecular surfaces

Biomacromolecules like gelatin and chitosan have emerged as highly versatile biomimetic coatings for applications in tissue engineering. The elucidation of the interfacial kinetics of cell adhesion on biomacromolecular surfaces will pave the way for the rational design of chitosan/gelatin-based systems for cell regeneration. Biomacromolecular ultra-thin films, chemically immobilized on fused silica are ideal experimental models for determining the effect of surface properties on the biophysical cascades following cell seeding. In this study, confocal reflectance interference contrast microscopy (C-RICM), in conjunction with phase contrast microscopy and fluorescence confocal microscopy, was applied to detect the adhesion contact dynamics of 3T3 fibroblasts on chitosan and gelatin ultrathin films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the immobilization of chitosan or gelatin on the silanized glass surface. Both the initial cell deformation rate and the change of two-dimensional spread area of the 3T3 fibroblasts are higher on gelatin-modified surfaces than on chitosan surfaces. The steady-state adhesion energy of 3T3 fibroblasts on gelatin film is three times higher than that on chitosan film. Immuno-staining of actin further demonstrates the different organization of cytoskeleton, likely induced by the change in cell signaling mechanism on the two biomacromolecular surfaces. The better attachment of 3T3 fibroblast to gelatin is postulated to be caused by the presence of adhesive domains on gelatin.     

Adhesion in EPDM joints: Role of the interdiffusion mechanism on interfacial co‐crosslinking

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between the mechanism of interdiffusion of the polymer chains across the interface and the formation of crosslinks in the interfacial zone when two elastomer sheets are joined and crosslinked. It is commonly accepted that the strength of the interface thus obtained is related to the number of interlinks that are created in the molecular interphase. This number generally is considered as equal to the number of crosslinks determined in the bulk. Ethylene‐copropylene‐codiene polymer (EPDM) does not follow this general law. The slow diffusion of the chains at the interface may be responsible for the peculiar behavior observed. In order to separate the two mechanisms responsible for the interfacial strength, diffusion, and crosslinking, two crosslinking procedures, namely peroxide crosslinking at high temperature and electron beam crosslinking at room temperature, have been used. This latter procedure allows control of the diffusion depth. It has been shown that diffusion of EPDM chains is indeed occurring at a much slower rate than expected, leading to less efficient co‐crosslinking in the interfacial zone. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 38: 3189–3199, 2000     

Contact of elastic solids with rough surfaces

The effect of surface roughness on the adhesion of elastic solids was examined with artificially roughened surfaces and crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane). The amplitudes (σ) and lateral correlation lengths (ξ) of the surface roughness were determined with the height–height correlation function calculated from atomic force microscopy images. The work of adhesion (W) did not change significantly for surfaces where σ ≤ 6 nm. However, with increasing σ and (ξ²/σ)^1/3, W increased. Maximal adhesion was found for surfaces that produced the greatest indentation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 1848–1854, 2001     

Study of Adhesion and Fracture of Polymer Laminates by Imaging of Interfaces

The adhesion and fracture of styrene‐acrylonitrile random copolymer and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA/SAN) laminates were studied. They showed a drastic transition from brittle to ductile on varying the acrylonitrile (AN) content in SAN, with changes in the fracture mode from interfacial failure to cohesive fracture. Energy‐filtering transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an in‐lens detector system were employed to study the interface and adhesion of the laminates. The effect of the AN content in SAN on the PMMA/SAN interfacial structures could be revealed by imaging of the interfaces using elemental mapping and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The in‐lens detector system in the SEM enabled the differentiation of thin interfaces with poor adhesion strength, yielding smooth and flat fracture surfaces, where numerous nanosized fibrils were formed normal to the surfaces.

     

Aspects of prewetting at nonplanar surfaces

We employ Monte Carlo simulations in the grand canonical ensemble (GCEMC) to investigate the impact of nonplanarity of a solid substrate on the locus of the prewetting phase transition. The substrate is modelled as a periodic sequence of furrows of depth D and periodicity sx in the x direction; the furrows are infinitely long in the y direction. Our results indicate that a necessary prerequisite for a prewetting transition is the formation of a(n approximately) planar interface between molecularly thin films and an adjacent (bulk) gas. Thus, in general the prewetting transition is shifted to larger chemical potentials because the formation of a planar film-gas interface is more difficult next to a nonplanar compared with a planar solid surface. However, this shift turns out to be nonmonotonic depending on D on account of subtle packing effects manifested in the deviation of the local density Deltarho(x,Deltaz;D) at the nonplanar solid surface from that at a planar substrate. If D becomes sufficiently large prewetting as a discontinuous phase transition is suppressed because inside the furrow a highly ordered film forms that prevents a planar film-gas interface from forming.     

On-surface synthesis of porous graphene nanoribbons containing nonplanar [14]annulene pores

The precise introduction of nonplanar pores in the backbone of graphene nanoribbon represents a great challenge. Here, we explore a synthetic strategy toward the preparation of nonplanar porous graphene nanoribbon from a predesigned dibromohexabenzotetracene monomer bearing four cove-edges. Successive thermal annealing steps of the monomers indicate that the dehalogenative aryl-aryl homocoupling yields a twisted polymer precursor on a gold surface and the subsequent cyclodehydrogenation leads to a defective porous graphene nanoribbon containing nonplanar [14]annulene pores and five-membered rings as characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy and noncontact atomic force microscopy. Although the C–C bonds producing [14]annulene pores are not achieved with high yield, our results provide new synthetic perspectives for the on-surface growth of nonplanar porous graphene nanoribbons.     

Adhesive bonding of glassy polymer surfaces by an ultrathin layer of a semicrystalline polymer

To develop a greater understanding of interfacial interactions between a semicrystalline polymer and a glassy polymer, adhesion tests were performed on very thin layers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) sandwiched between two layers of poly(tetramethyl bisphenol A polycarbonate) (TMPC). The tests were designed to provide intimate contact between the surfaces while they were heated above the melting point of the PEO and cooled back to room temperature. A contact mechanics approach, based on the Johnson, Kendall, and Roberts theory, was used to determine values of the energy release rate describing the energetic driving force for crack propagation within the interfacial region. The ability to measure crack propagation at large values of the energy release rate was limited by rupture of the silicone elastomer that was used to provide a sufficiently compliant matrix for the adhesion experiment. By cycling the tensile stress at relatively low loading levels, we were able to measure fatigue crack propagation at values of the energy release rate that did not result in failure of the elastomer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3809–3821, 2004     

Patterning Surfaces on Azo‐Based Multilayer Films via Surface Wrinkling Combined with Visible Light Irradiation

Here, a simple combined strategy of surface wrinkling with visible light irradiation to fabricate well tunable hierarchical surface patterns on azo‐containing multilayer films is reported. The key to tailor surface patterns is to introduce a photosensitive poly(disperse orange 3) intermediate layer into the film/substrate wrinkling system, in which the modulus decrease is induced by the reversible photoisomerization. The existence of a photoinert top layer prevents the photoisomerization‐induced stress release in the intermediate layer to some extent. Consequently, the as‐formed wrinkling patterns can be modulated over a large area by light irradiation. Interestingly, in the case of selective exposure, the wrinkle wavelength in the exposed region decreases, while the wrinkles in the unexposed region are evolved into highly oriented wrinkles with the orientation perpendicular to the exposed/unexposed boundary. Compared with traditional single layer‐based film/substrate systems, the multilayer system consisting of the photosensitive intermediate layer offers unprecedented advantages in the patterning controllability/universality. As demonstrated here, this simple and versatile strategy can be conveniently extended to functional multilayer systems for the creation of prescribed hierarchical surface patterns with optically tailored microstructures.

     

高分子固液复合界面与液体黏附调控

受猪笼草口缘区润滑效应启发,将低表面能液体注入高分子微纳米多孔结构中可构筑高分子固液复合界面.与超疏水固体界面相比,固液复合界面展现出独特的浸润性和黏附性.界面黏附是高分子复合材料重要的性质之一,实现界面黏附的精准调控对促进这类材料的发展和应用具有至关重要的作用.本文重点从稳定性调控、方向性调控以及原位可逆调控3个方面综述提升固液复合界面黏附可控性的工作,通过在表面微米结构中组装纳米层状及异质纳米层状结构,提高界面黏附的稳定性;使用界面薄层定向冷冻干燥法、激光刻蚀法以及复型法等方法,构筑具有取向结构的高分子固液复合界面,实现界面黏附的方向性调控;通过在界面中引入快速响应的智能基元,设计智能响应高分子固液复合界面,实现界面黏附的原位可逆调控.最后,概述了这类材料目前存在的问题并展望了其未来发展的方向.     

Adhesion Aspects of Plasma Polymerized Acetonitrile and Acrylonitrile on Polypropylene Surface

Acetonitrile and acrylonitrile were plasma polymerized on Polypropylene (PP) surface. Surface modifications were characterized by surface energy measurements and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Surface energy measurement showed incorporation of hydrophilic groups along with deposition of cross-linked network of plasma-polymerized product. ATR-FTIR analysis of modified films showed incorporation of conjugated imine and amine groups. Using change in the relative intensities of C—H stretch bands of polypropylene surface, site of attachment of hydrophilic group and most predominant surface chemical reaction could be inferred. Chemical nature of plasma polymerized product was studied using FTIR by KBr disc method. Adhesion test was performed on modified surface by peel test method. Surface energy and peel strength measurements were performed for the samples aged for 2 months in order to check the durability of surface modification.     

材料表面性质调控细胞黏附

生物医用材料旨在通过调控材料和细胞之间的相互作用来实现组织的再生和修复。黏附过程直接决定了细胞是否能够充分发挥生物学性能,因此通过对材料表面的物理和化学改性来调控细胞黏附,对于生物材料具有至关重要的意义,也是非常活跃的研究热点。材料表面物理改性通常通过对包括表面粗糙度、形貌、模量和多孔结构等物理性质的调控,为细胞构建适合黏附的材料表面。而化学改性则借助于表面电荷及亲疏水性调控、促黏分子修饰等化学手段来提高材料表面与细胞间的相互作用力,进而促进细胞黏附。近年来,材料表面调控细胞黏附的研究取得了许多新的突破性进展。例如在传统的促黏分子表面修饰之外,人们逐步发现对促黏分子序构的精准调控也可以有效地提高材料表面的促黏性能。而刺激响应性表面则可以根据外界信号的刺激,使得材料表面在促黏和抗黏之间实现智能的转换。本文从物理改性、化学修饰、刺激响应性表面构建等角度出发,全面总结和讨论了材料表面性质对细胞黏附的调控作用,梳理了材料表面的设计思路,多种材料表面的修饰改性方法等最新进展,并展望了未来材料表面对细胞黏附的调控思路。     

Adhesion curves between two viscoelastic materials by a point‐contact method in a crossed‐cylinder geometry

We investigated an evaluation method of adhesion between two cylindrical viscoelastic materials by a point contact in a crossed‐cylinder geometry. The shape of the adhesion curve obtained in this technique is characterized not only by the maximum adhesion force, F_A, but also by the adhesion force at complete separation, F_S. To clarify the factors that determine the characteristic properties of the adhesion curve, the adhesion forces of a highly crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane were measured as a function of the separation velocity. As a result, F_A and F_S strongly depended on the separation velocity. To understand the experimental results, a simulation of the separation behavior was carried out using the Generalized Maxwell model, which could qualitatively reproduce the experimental observations. From these results, we discussed the factors that determine the adhesion curve and clarified the uniqueness and advantages of this evaluation method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1778–1788, 2009     

Structured multistimuli‐responsive functional polymer surfaces obtained by interfacial diffusion of amphiphilic block copolymers

Herein, we report the preparation of structured multistimuli‐responsive surfaces able to change reversibly both their chemical composition depending on the environment and their surface behavior by varying either/both the pH or/and the temperature. For that purpose, we took advantage of the surface segregation in homopolymer/diblock copolymer blends, composed of either polystyrene‐block‐poly(N,N′‐dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate) (PS‐b‐PDMAEMA) or polystyrene‐block‐poly (N,N′‐diethylaminoethylmethacrylate) (PS‐b‐PDEAEMA) and high molecular weight polystyrene used as a matrix. The variations of the surface composition as a function of the environment of exposure (air or water vapor) was investigated were investigated by XPS and contact angle measurements. The water‐annealed surfaces contain PDMAEMA or PDEAEMA at the surface and are additionally able to respond both to pH and temperature as demonstrated by the Wilhelmy technique. Both PDMAEMA and PDEAEMA can switch from a hydrophilic state to a collapsed hydrophobic state increasing the temperature above the LCST. More interestingly, as a result of the microphase separation of the block copolymers at the interface, the surfaces of the blends exhibit structuration. Thus, either micellar structures or “donut‐like” morphologies were obtained by using THF or toluene, respectively, as solvent. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1952–1961, 2010     

Adhesion and friction studies of Au nanoparticle‐textured surfaces with colloidal tips

Surface roughness plays an important role in affecting the adhesive force and friction force in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)/nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). One effective approach of reducing adhesion and friction of contacting interfaces is to create textured surface, which is especially beneficial for MEMS'/NEMS' production yield and product reliability. In this article, we present a convenient method to fabricate the nano‐textured surfaces by self‐assembling Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the silicon (100) surfaces. The nanoparticle‐textured surfaces (NPTS) with different packing density and texture height were prepared by controlling the assembling time and the size of Au NPs. The morphologies and chemical states of NPTS were characterized by atomic force microscope (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscope, and XPS. The adhesion and friction on the NPTS were studied by AFM with colloidal tip. The results show that the nano‐textured surfaces have effectively reduced adhesive force and friction force compared with the 3‐aminopropyl trimethoxysilane self‐assembled monolayer surfaces. The lowered adhesion and friction were attributed to the reduced real area of contact between NPTS and colloidal tip. The adhesion and friction of the NPTS are varying with the texture packing density and dependent on both the texture height and asperities spacing, which are related to the size and coverage ratio of NPs on surfaces. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Strain-controlled switching of hierarchically wrinkled surfaces between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity

Recent years have witnessed intense interest in multifunctional surfaces that can be designed to switch between different functional states with various external stimuli including electric field, light, pH value, and mechanical strain. The present paper is aimed to explore whether and how a surface can be designed to switch between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity by an applied strain. Based on well-established theories of structure buckling and solid-liquid contact, we show that this objective may be achieved through a hierarchically wrinkled surface. We derive general recursive relations for the apparent contact angle at different levels of the hierarchical surface and investigate the thermodynamic stability of different contact states. Our study may provide useful guidelines for the development of multifunctional surfaces for many technological applications.     

Complex Adhesion Effects of Inorganic Nanofillers vs Microfillers in Polymer Composites

The adhesion parameters of fillers in composites, coefficient of wetting, interfacial free energy and work of adhesion, were calculated in order to evaluate the difference between the effects of selected microfillers vs nanofillers in polyacrylate (PA) and poly (vinyl acetate)(PVAc) matrix. The results showed that the improved fundamental adhesion, i.e. higher work of adhesion in nanocomposites resulted in the improved practical adhesion i.e. higher mechanical properties. The interfacial region was additionally modified by the controlled pre-treatment of calcium carbonate micro- and nanofillers by sodium stearate that lowered the interactions with PVAc matrix. The composite morphological and mechanical properties changed accordingly. The lowered coefficient of interactions explained the pronounced composite failure at the interphase by dewetting and finally lead to the composite weakening. The conclusion about the complex relationship between the composite properties and engineering the interphase was confirmed.     

Synthesis and Characterization of New Adhesion Promoter for Grafting Conducting Polymer on Oxide Substrate

For grafting polypyrrole layers on oxidic substrates, the synthesis and characterization of a new adhesion promoter 11‐(pyrrol‐3‐yl) undecyl trimethoxysilane (PyTMS) were described in this article. The oxidation potential of PyTMS was determined by cyclic voltammetry. The grafting behavior of such an adhesion promoter on oxidized surface and chemical deposition of polypyrrole over the modified oxidized surface were studied. The adsorbed layer on the oxidized substrates thus formed was determined by both contact angle measurements and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Chemical polymerization of terminal pyrrole moieties on such substrates yielded adhesive polypyrrole films, and SEM image showed that the morphology of the polypyrrole films was influenced by the experimental conditions.