We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Dynamic droplet behavior for analyte localization on phase change liquid infused surfaces
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed surfaces that can switch between slippery and sticky states using temperature-controlled phase-change oils, allowing evaporating droplets to concentrate their contents — including microplastics — into a tiny, easily analyzed spot. When tested on real microplastics from bottled drinking water, the technology successfully localized particles for detection, offering a practical new method for detecting trace levels of microplastics in water without complex laboratory equipment.
Phase-change liquid infused surfaces (PC-LIS) can enable responsive and adaptable interfacial control due to their tunable physical properties, including wetting behavior. These materials leverage the phase transition of oils/waxes infused within a micro- or nano-texture to dynamically alter their interfacial properties. Using thermal control, PC-LIS are able to dynamically switch between solid states in which droplet contact lines are more easily pinned and liquid states where droplet contact lines are mobile. This enables them to harness the slippery, anti-fouling behavior of LIS while also improving material durability to variable conditions such as abrasion or shearing flows, which can deplete lubricant from traditional, static LIS. Here, we demonstrate how the surface morphology and phase state of PC-LIS can be used to control dynamics of drops evaporating on the surfaces as well as the associated microparticle deposition outcomes. We report on how phase-switching controls contact angle hysteresis, sliding angle, and evaporation mode of drops to enable precise control over droplet mobility and deposition footprint. By using these materials to substantially reduce deposit footprint, we can enable new, simple methods for analyte localization for environmental sensing. This is especially important for dilute physical contaminants such as micro- and nano-plastic fragments. Using model plastic microparticles as well as real microplastics from plastic bottled drinking water, we demonstrate that PC-LIS can successfully concentrate analytes into a small, localized region for analysis by evaporating drops on surfaces in the liquid configuration. Following analyte localization, the materials can be reverted back to the solid configuration for detection using other techniques.
More Papers Like This
Utilizing Hydrophobic Surfaces for Microplastics Quantification and Detection in Water Reservoirs
AI summary Read the abstract
This study developed a cost-effective method using hydrophobic surfaces to capture and quantify microplastics from water samples. The approach simplifies detection by concentrating particles onto a surface before analysis, reducing the need for expensive equipment. The method could make routine microplastic monitoring in drinking water and reservoirs more practical.
Microfluidic Detection and Analysis of Microplastics Using Surface Nanodroplets
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a microfluidic device that uses tiny surface droplets to capture and analyze microplastics as small as 10 micrometers from water samples. The captured particles can be examined under a microscope and identified by type using Raman spectroscopy without removing them from the device. The method offers a simpler, faster, and more affordable way to detect small microplastics compared to conventional filtration techniques.
Molecular Mechanisms Governing the Adsorption, Deposition, and Removal of Environmentally Aged Microplastics by Engineered Surfaces
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists figured out how tiny plastic particles that have been weathered in the environment stick to different surfaces, then used this knowledge to create a new material that can remove over 92% of these microplastics from water. This breakthrough could lead to better filters and cleanup systems to remove microplastics from drinking water and the environment. Since microplastics are found everywhere from our food to our bloodstream, having effective ways to remove them could help protect human health.
A StraightforwardApproach for the Removal of Microplasticsfrom Water: Utilization of SLIPS
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers demonstrated for the first time that slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) can rapidly and efficiently remove polystyrene microplastics from water, with the slippery surface capturing particles through size-independent adhesion without requiring filters or chemical treatment.
Optofluidic light-droplet interaction for rapidly assessing the presence of plastic microspheres within aqueous suspensions
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists created a new device that can quickly detect tiny plastic particles (called microplastics) in water by shining light through water droplets and measuring changes in brightness. The device can spot extremely small amounts of plastic pollution - as little as 0.13 milligrams per gram of water. This technology could help us better monitor plastic contamination in our drinking water and environment, which is important since these tiny plastics can harm both ecosystems and human health.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.