Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Synthesis of Hydrogels with Antifouling Properties As Membranes for Water Purification
Published on: April 7, 2017
Asymmetric free-standing film with multifunctional anti-bacterial and self-cleaning properties
Liyan Shen1, Bailiang Wang, Jinlei Wang
1MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
Abstract:
A superhydrophobic/hydrophilic asymmetric free-standing film has been created using layer-by-layer assembly technique. Poly(ethylene-imine)-Ag(+) complex (PEI-Ag(+)) at pH 9.0 was assembled with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) at pH 3.2 on a Teflon substrate to yield a micronanostructured surface that can be turned to be superhydrophobic after being coated with a low surface energy compound. Silver nanoparticle loaded free-standing film with one surface being superhydrophobic while the other surface is hydrophilic was then obtained after detachment from the substrate. The superhydrophobicity enabled the upper surface with anti-adhesion and self-cleaning properties and the hydrophilic bottom surface can release silver ions as antibiotic agent. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial capability of silver ions released from the bottom surface coupled with superhydrophobic barrier protection of the upper surface may make the free-standing film a new therapy for open wound.
Related Concept Videos
Biofilms
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...

