Self-Assembled, Hierarchical Structured Surfaces for Applications in (Super)hydrophobic Antiviral Coatings
Frances Dawson, Wen C. Yew, Bethany V. Orme, Christopher Markwell, Rodrigo Ledesma‐Aguilar, Justin J. Perry, Ian M. Shortman, Darren Smith, Hamdi Torun, Gary G. Wells, Matthew G. Unthank
Abstract
A versatile method for the creation of multitier hierarchical structured surfaces is reported, which optimizes both antiviral and hydrophobic (easy-clean) properties. The methodology exploits the availability of surface-active chemical groups while also manipulating both the surface micro- and nanostructure to control the way the surface coating interacts with virus particles within a liquid droplet. This methodology has significant advantages over single-tier structured surfaces, including the ability to overcome the droplet-pinning effect and in delivering surfaces with high static contact angles (>130°) and good antiviral efficacy (log kill >2). In addition, the methodology highlights a valuable approach for the creation of mechanically robust, nanostructured surfaces which can be prepared by spray application using nonspecialized equipment.