Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Here we explore how superhydrophobic materials can be used to provide new analytical capabilities. Such materials confine water droplets allowing for unique manipulations to be performed. Previously, we have characterized droplet properties, improved performance of MALDI mass spectrometry, performed isoelectric focusing within a drop, and explored the dynamics of drop cutting.
Cutting a drop with superhydrophobic knife
Publications
Cutting a drop of water pinned by wire loops using a superhydrophobic surface and knife. Ryan Yanashima, Antonio A. GarcĂa, James Aldridge, Noah Weiss, Mark A. Hayes, James H. Andrews PLoS ONE, 2012, 7(9): e45893. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0045893. article
Weiss, N.G., Hayes, M.A., Garcia A.A, and R.R. Ansari. Isoelectric Focusing in a Drop. Langmuir, 2011, 27, 494-498. article
McLauchlin, M.L., Yang, D.Q., Aella, P., Garcia, A.A., Picraux, S.T., and M.A. Hayes. Evaporative Properties and Pinning Strength of Laser-Ablated Hydrophillic Sites on Lotus-leaf-like Nanostructured Surfaces. Langmuir 2007, 23, 481-487.
Future Directions
For the future we are working to improve the MALDI MS signal using superhydrophobic surfaces.