The extraction of nanoscopic particulates from flowing fluids is a vital step in filtration processes, as well as the fabrication of nanocomposites. Inspired by the ability of carnivorous plants to use hair-like filaments to entrap species, we use computational modeling to design a multi-component system that integrates compliant fibers and thermo-responsive gels to extract particles from the surrounding solution. In particular, hydrophobic fibers are embedded in a gel that exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). With an increase in temperature, the gel collapses to expose fibers that self assemble into bundles, which act as nanoscale ‘‘grippers’’ that bind the particles and draw them into the underlying gel. By varying the relative stiffness of the fibers, the fiber–particle interaction strength and the shear rate in the solution, we identify optimal parameters where the particles are effectively drawn from the solution and remain firmly bound within the gel layer. Hence, the system can be harnessed in purifying fluids and creating novel hybrid materials that integrate nanoparticles with polymer gels.
2015
Designing a gel–fiber composite to extract nanoparticles from solution. Soft Matter. 2015;11 (44) :8692-8700.Abstract
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Elastocapillary coalescence of plates and pillars. Proc. R. Soc. A. 2015;471 (2175) :20140593.Abstract
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Role of Flagella in Adhesion of Escherichia coli to Abiotic Surfaces. Langmuir. 2015;31 (22) :6137-6144. Full TextAbstract
. George Ledlie Prize awarded to Joanna Aizenberg
Stability of Surface-Immobilized Lubricant Interfaces under Flow. Chem. Mater. 2015;27 (5) :1792-1800. Full TextAbstract
New functional insights into the internal architecture of the laminated anchor spicules of Euplectella aspergillum. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 2015;112 (16) :4976-4981. Publisher's VersionAbstract
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Dynamic polymer systems with self-regulated secretion for the control of surface properties and material healing. Nat. Mater. 2015;14 (8) :790-795. Publisher's VersionAbstract
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Liquid-Infused Silicone As a Biofouling-Free Medical Material. ACS Biomater. Sci. Eng. 2015;1 (1) :43-51.Abstract
Dynamics of evaporative colloidal patterning. Physics of Fluids. 2015;27 (9) :092105. Full TextAbstract
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Liquid-based gating mechanism with tunable multiphase selectivity and antifouling behaviour. Nature. 2015;519 (7541) :70-73. Full TextAbstract
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Multifunctionality of chiton biomineralized armor with an integrated visual system. Science. 2015;350 (6263) :952-956. Full TextAbstract
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An aptamer-functionalized chemomechanically modulated biomolecule catch-and-release system. Nat. Chem. 2015;7 (5) :447-454. Full TextAbstract
Color from hierarchy: Diverse optical properties of micron-sized spherical colloidal assemblies. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 2015;112 (35) :10845-10850. Publisher's VersionAbstract
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