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Bioinspired Supramolecular Slippery Organogels for Controlling Pathogen Spread by Respiratory Droplets
Author(s) -
Wang Zhaoyue,
Yi Bo,
Wu Mandi,
Lv Dong,
He MingLiang,
Liu Meijin,
Yao Xi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.202102888
Subject(s) - biofouling , coating , materials science , nanotechnology , fouling , pathogen , supramolecular chemistry , molecule , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , membrane , biology , organic chemistry , biochemistry
Surface‐deposited pathogens are sources for the spread of infectious diseases. Protecting public facilities with a replaceable or recyclable antifouling coating is a promising approach to control pathogen transmission. However, most antifouling coatings are less effective in preventing pathogen‐contained respiratory droplets because these tiny droplets are difficult to repel, and the deposited pathogens can remain viable from hours to days. Inspired by mucus, an antimicrobial supramolecular organogel for the control of microdroplet‐mediated pathogen spread is developed. The developed organogel coating harvests a couple of unique features including localized molecular control‐release, readily damage healing, and persistent fouling‐release properties, which are preferential for antifouling coating. Microdroplets deposited on the organogel surfaces will be spontaneously wrapped with a thin liquid layer, and will therefore be disinfected rapidly due to a mechanism of spatially enhanced release of bactericidal molecules. Furthermore, the persistent fouling‐release and damage‐healing properties will significantly extend the life‐span of the coating, making it promising for diverse applications.