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Wetting Dynamics of a Lipid Monolayer
Shuo Guo1, Yong Jian Wang2, Hsuan-Yi Chen3,4
1School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|April 13, 2021
Summary
This study reveals a sharp transition from partial to complete wetting on lipid-coated interfaces near a critical surface tension. This finding offers a new method for characterizing dynamic wetting properties of various liquid interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Interface Science
- Wetting Dynamics
Background:
- Dynamic wetting properties of lipid-coated interfaces are crucial for many applications but poorly understood near wetting transitions.
- Investigating wetting behavior at the partial-to-complete wetting transition is essential for controlling interfacial phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically study the wetting dynamics of a lipid-coated water-air interface around a micro-scale glass fiber.
- To identify the critical surface tension at which a transition from partial to complete wetting occurs.
- To establish a quantitative method for characterizing dynamic wetting of various coated liquid interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a "long-needle" atomic-force-microscope probe with a glass fiber (1-5 μm diameter).
- Modified glass fiber surfaces to alter wetting properties from hydrophilic to hydrophobic.
- Deposited a phospholipid (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine - DPPC) monolayer on the water-air interface in a Langmuir-Blodgett trough.
- Varied surface tension (γL) from 2.5 to 72 mN/m and measured capillary force hysteresis.
Main Results:
- Observed a sharp transition from partial to complete wetting as surface tension (γL) decreased to a critical value (γL)c.
- Determined (γL)c to be 27 ± 1 mN/m for DPPC-coated and 23 ± 1 mN/m for trichloro(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl)silane (FTS)-coated surfaces.
- Found zero contact angle and positive spreading parameter (S) below (γL)c for hydrophobic surfaces.
- Observed a jump in capillary rise height for FTS-coated surfaces at (γL)c, indicating rapid film formation.
Conclusions:
- Established a quantitative method for dynamically characterizing various liquid interfaces coated with polymers, surfactants, and biomolecules.
- Demonstrated a clear link between surface tension and the transition to complete wetting.
- Provided insights into the formation of liquid films during wetting transitions.
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