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US20190344274A1 - Articles and systems involving reaction products on surfaces and associated methods - Google Patents

Articles and systems involving reaction products on surfaces and associated methods Download PDF

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Publication number
US20190344274A1
US20190344274A1 US16/351,403 US201916351403A US2019344274A1 US 20190344274 A1 US20190344274 A1 US 20190344274A1 US 201916351403 A US201916351403 A US 201916351403A US 2019344274 A1 US2019344274 A1 US 2019344274A1
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Prior art keywords
equal
carrier fluid
polyelectrolyte
less
mixture
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Abandoned
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US16/351,403
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Inventor
Kripa K. Varanasi
Maher Damak
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Priority to US16/351,403 priority Critical patent/US20190344274A1/en
Assigned to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY reassignment MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: DAMAK, Maher, VARANASI, KRIPA K.
Publication of US20190344274A1 publication Critical patent/US20190344274A1/en
Priority to US16/945,740 priority patent/US11642674B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
    • A01N25/08—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests containing solids as carriers or diluents
    • A01N25/10—Macromolecular compounds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
    • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
    • B01L3/502761—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip specially adapted for handling suspended solids or molecules independently from the bulk fluid flow, e.g. for trapping or sorting beads, for physically stretching molecules
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
    • A01N25/24—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests containing ingredients to enhance the sticking of the active ingredients
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N59/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing elements or inorganic compounds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J13/00—Colloid chemistry, e.g. the production of colloidal materials or their solutions, not otherwise provided for; Making microcapsules or microballoons
    • B01J13/02—Making microcapsules or microballoons
    • B01J13/20—After-treatment of capsule walls, e.g. hardening
    • B01J13/22—Coating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to methods of forming reaction products on surfaces, and associated articles and systems.
  • Certain consumer products are designed to be applied to surfaces of interest in the form of droplets.
  • large fractions of the droplets applied to the surfaces bounce or roll away prior to depositing any active ingredients therein on the surfaces. This phenomenon causes consumers to apply excess amounts of the products to the surfaces, resulting in waste. Accordingly, improved methods that result in enhanced droplet retention on surfaces may be advantageous.
  • the present invention generally relates to articles, systems, and methods associated with the formation of reaction products on surfaces.
  • the subject matter of the present invention involves, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of one or more systems and/or articles.
  • an article comprises a product disposed on a surface.
  • the product is formed by removing a first polyelectrolyte and a second polyelectrolyte from a mixture carrier fluid
  • the mixture carrier fluid is formed from a first carrier fluid comprising a first polyelectrolyte and a second carrier fluid comprising a second polyelectrolyte
  • the mixture carrier fluid comprises a salt with a molecular weight of less than or equal to 1 kg/mol at a concentration within the mixture carrier fluid of from 0.01 M to 0.5 M.
  • an article comprises a product disposed on a surface.
  • the product is formed by removing a first polyelectrolyte and a second polyelectrolyte from a mixture carrier fluid
  • the mixture carrier fluid is formed from a first carrier fluid comprising a first polyelectrolyte and a second carrier fluid comprising a second polyelectrolyte
  • the mixture carrier fluid has a turbidity of greater than or equal to 10 NTU and a viscosity of less than or equal to 1 Pa*s.
  • compositions and/or kits relate to compositions and/or kits.
  • a composition and/or kit comprises a first polyelectrolyte in a first carrier fluid and a second polyelectrolyte in a second carrier fluid.
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes are different, the first and second carrier fluids are configured to form a mixture carrier fluid that comprises the first and/or second carrier fluids, the mixture carrier fluid comprises a salt with a molecular weight of less than or equal to 1 kg/mol at a concentration within the mixture carrier fluid of from 0.01 M to 0.5 M.
  • a composition and/or kit comprises a first polyelectrolyte in a first carrier fluid and a second polyelectrolyte in a second carrier fluid.
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes are different, the first and second carrier fluids are configured to form a mixture carrier fluid that comprises the first and/or second carrier fluids, and the mixture carrier fluid has a turbidity of greater than or equal to 10 NTU and a viscosity of less than or equal to 1 Pa*s.
  • a method comprises applying to a surface a first polyelectrolyte in a first carrier fluid and a second polyelectrolyte in a second carrier fluid.
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes may be different.
  • the first and second carrier fluids can be the same or different.
  • the method may further comprise forming a mixture of the first and second polyelectrolytes in a mixture carrier fluid that comprises the first and/or second carrier fluids.
  • the mixture carrier fluid may comprise a salt with a molecular weight of less than or equal to 1 kg/mol at a concentration within the mixture carrier fluid of from 0.01 M to 0.5 M.
  • the method may further comprise removing the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte from the mixture carrier fluid to form a reaction product on the surface.
  • a method comprises applying to a surface a first polyelectrolyte in a first carrier fluid and a second polyelectrolyte in a second carrier fluid.
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes may be different.
  • the first and second carrier fluids can be the same or different.
  • the method may further comprise forming a mixture of the first and second polyelectrolytes in a mixture carrier fluid that comprises the first and/or second carrier fluids.
  • the mixture carrier fluid may have a turbidity of greater than or equal to 10 NTU and a viscosity of less than or equal to 1 Pa*s.
  • the method may further comprise removing the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte from the mixture carrier fluid to form a reaction product on the surface.
  • FIGS. 1A-1C show one non-limiting example of a method of forming a reaction product on a surface
  • FIG. 1D shows one non-limiting example of a method of applying a composition to a surface on which a reaction product is disposed
  • FIG. 2A is a chart showing surface coverage as a function of pH, according to certain embodiments.
  • FIG. 2B is a chart showing turbidity as a function of pH, according to certain embodiments.
  • FIG. 2C is a chart showing zeta potential as a function of pH, according to certain embodiments.
  • FIG. 3A is a chart showing surface coverage as a function of NaCl concentration, according to certain embodiments.
  • FIG. 3B is a chart showing turbidity as a function of NaCl concentration, according to certain embodiments.
  • FIG. 4A is a chart showing surface coverage as a function of polyelectrolyte concentration, according to certain embodiments.
  • FIG. 4B is a chart showing turbidity as a function of polyelectrolyte concentration, according to certain embodiments.
  • FIG. 5 is a chart showing turbidity as a function of surface coverage, according to certain embodiments.
  • reaction products on surfaces may comprise forming reaction products on surfaces that enhance droplet retention thereon, and/or may comprise forming reaction products on surfaces in a manner that enhances droplet retention thereon.
  • reaction products comprising aggregated polyelectrolytes may form under conditions that result in enhanced aggregation of the polyelectrolytes.
  • reaction products may form from polyelectrolytes present in droplets over time scales that enhance retention of those droplets on the surface, such as time scales shorter than the time scale over which the droplets would interact with and then bounce or roll off the surface. Other examples will be described in further detail below.
  • Certain methods relate to forming reaction products on surfaces from a mixture carrier fluid that has one or more features that promote the formation of reaction products that enhance droplet retention and/or the formation of reaction products in a manner that enhances droplet retention.
  • features include the presence of salts in beneficial amounts, the presence of polyelectrolytes in beneficial amounts, a pH in a range in which the zeta potential of each polyelectrolyte therein is within a beneficial range (e.g., above a minimal value), and a viscosity in a beneficial range (e.g., below a maximal value).
  • a macroscopically observable feature of the carrier fluid may be in a range indicative of the mixture carrier fluid having one or more of the advantageous properties described herein.
  • Macroscopically observable features may be indicative of a mixture carrier fluid from which reaction products that enhance droplet retention may form and/or of a mixture carrier fluid from which reaction products may form in a manner that enhances droplet retention.
  • An article composition, and/or kit described herein may be related to a method described herein.
  • some articles are products formed by the performance of one or more of the methods described herein.
  • an article comprises a product disposed on a surface and is formed according to one or more of the methods described herein.
  • a composition and/or a kit is suitable for performing (and/or configured to perform) one or more of the methods described herein.
  • a composition and/or a kit may comprise one or more components that may be employed in one or more of the methods described herein, such as a first polyelectrolyte (e.g., in a first carrier fluid) and/or a second polyelectrolyte (e.g., in a second carrier fluid).
  • a composition and/or a kit may be configured to form a mixture carrier fluid described herein and/or to form a product described herein (e.g., on a surface described herein).
  • reaction product is used interchangeably with the word “product”. Both should be understood to refer species formed by the response of one or more components to a stimulus (e.g., exposure to another component) that causes in the deposition of the “reaction product” or “product” on a surface.
  • the “reaction product” or “product” may comprise all of such components, none of such components, or some of such components.
  • FIGS. 1A-1C show one non-limiting example of a method comprising applying first and second polyelectrolytes in first and second carrier fluids to a surface, forming a mixture of the first and second polyelectrolytes in a mixture carrier fluid, and removing at least a portion of the first polyelectrolyte and at least a portion of the second polyelectrolyte from the mixture carrier fluid to form a reaction product on the surface.
  • a first polyelectrolyte 100 in a first carrier fluid 200 and a second polyelectrolyte 110 in a second carrier fluid 210 are applied to a surface 300 .
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes (and the associated first and second carrier fluids) may be applied to the surface in a manner such that, for a period of time, both the first and second carrier fluids are present on the surface at the same time.
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes may be applied sequentially (e.g., the first polyelectrolyte prior to the second polyelectrolyte, the second polyelectrolyte prior to the first polyelectrolyte), simultaneously (e.g., the first and second polyelectrolytes may be applied to the surface at the same time), or both sequentially and simultaneously (e.g., the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte may be applied to the surface for periods of time that partially, but not completely, overlap).
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes (and/or the associated first and second carrier fluids) may be applied to portions of the surface that do not overlap (e.g., as shown in FIG.
  • first and second polyelectrolytes may be applied to portions of the surface that overlap at least partially (e.g., portions that completely overlap).
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes (and/or the associated first and second carrier fluids) may together cover a variety of suitable fractions of the surface (e.g., all of the surface, one or more non-contiguous portions of the surface).
  • FIG. 1A shows application of equal amounts of the first and second carrier fluid to the surface and equal concentration of the first and second polyelectrolytes in the first and second carrier fluids
  • a larger volume of the first carrier fluid may be applied than of the second carrier fluid (or vice versa).
  • the first polyelectrolyte may be present in the first carrier fluid at a higher concentration than the second polyelectrolyte in the second carrier fluid (or vice versa).
  • either or both of the first and second carrier fluids may further comprise one or more species not shown in FIG. 1A (e.g., the first and/or the second carrier fluid may comprise one or more salts).
  • the first and second carrier fluids may be the same, or they may be different.
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes are different (e.g., they have different chemical structures, they have opposite charge).
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes may be applied to surfaces in a variety of suitable manners.
  • the first and/or second polyelectrolyte may be applied to a surface by contacting droplets of a carrier fluid comprising the polyelectrolyte with the surface. The droplets may be sprayed on the surface, dripped on the surface, or contacted with the surface in another suitable manner.
  • Other methods of applying a polyelectrolyte to a surface are also contemplated for application of the first polyelectrolyte to the surface and/or application of the second polyelectrolyte to the surface. Such methods may include pouring a carrier fluid comprising the polyelectrolyte onto the surface, dipping the surface in a carrier fluid comprising the polyelectrolyte, and the like.
  • FIG. 1B shows one non-limiting example of a mixture carrier fluid disposed on a surface.
  • a first polyelectrolyte 100 and a second polyelectrolyte 110 are mixed in a mixture carrier fluid 220 disposed on a surface 300 .
  • a first carrier fluid and a second carrier fluid at least partially mix to form the mixture carrier fluid.
  • the mixture carrier fluid may comprise at least a portion of the first carrier fluid, at least a portion of the second carrier fluid, and/or at least a portion of both the first carrier fluid and the second carrier fluid.
  • at least a portion of the first carrier fluid and/or at least a portion of the second carrier fluid may not be included in the mixture carrier fluid.
  • the mixture carrier fluid may further comprise one or more species not shown in FIG. 1B , such as one or more salts.
  • a mixture carrier fluid and a mixture of polyelectrolytes therein may be formed in a variety of suitable manners.
  • a mixture carrier fluid may be formed by topological contact between a first carrier fluid comprising a first polyelectrolyte and a second carrier fluid comprising a second polyelectrolyte.
  • the first and second carrier fluids, and the first and second polyelectrolytes therein may mix due to thermodynamic driving forces.
  • the topological contact between the carrier fluids may be achieved by applying the first and second carrier fluids, and the first and second polyelectrolytes therein, to a surface in a manner that results in such contact.
  • first and second carrier fluids may be applied to a surface on top of one another and/or next to one another.
  • the first and second carrier fluids may be placed in topological contact prior to topological contact with a surface (e.g., for a short period of time).
  • the first and second carrier fluids may be applied to the surface in the form of droplets and some such droplets may impinge on each other prior to contact with the surface (e.g., a first droplet comprising a first carrier fluid and a first polyelectrolyte may impinge upon a second droplet comprising a second carrier fluid and a second polyelectrolyte, mix to form a droplet comprising a mixture carrier fluid and the first and second polyelectrolytes, and then that droplet may contact the surface).
  • a first droplet comprising a first carrier fluid and a first polyelectrolyte may impinge upon a second droplet comprising a second carrier fluid and a second polyelectrolyte, mix to form a droplet comprising a mixture carrier fluid and the first and second polyelectrolytes, and then that droplet may contact the surface).
  • Mixtures of two or more polyelectrolytes may have a variety of suitable microscopic structures.
  • the polyelectrolytes may interpenetrate with one another in a carrier fluid, such as a mixture carrier fluid, to any suitable extent.
  • a carrier fluid such as a mixture carrier fluid
  • both a first and second polyelectrolyte may be fully solubilized in a mixture carrier fluid.
  • one or both of the first and second polyelectrolyte may be at least partially phase separated from the mixture carrier fluid and/or may be partially phase separated from one another.
  • the mixture carrier fluid may comprise one or more phases comprising both the first and second polyelectrolyte.
  • the mixture carrier fluid may further comprise one or more additional phases lacking the first polyelectrolyte and/or the second polyelectrolyte.
  • reaction products disposed on surfaces may be formed by a method as described herein, such as a method having one or more features in common with the method shown in FIGS. 1A-1B .
  • FIG. 1C shows one non-limiting example a reaction product disposed on a surface.
  • a reaction product 400 is disposed on a surface 300 .
  • the reaction product may comprise the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte.
  • the reaction product may further comprise one or more species not shown in FIG. 1C , such as one or more salts.
  • the reaction product may be formed by removing at least a portion of the first and second polyelectrolytes from a mixture carrier fluid and/or by any other suitable method (e.g., one or more of the methods described herein).
  • the entirety of the first and second polyelectrolytes may be removed from the mixture carrier fluid, or at least a portion of the first polyelectrolyte and/or at least a portion of the second polyelectrolyte may not be removed from the mixture carrier fluid.
  • At least a portion of the first and at least a portion of the second polyelectrolyte may precipitate from the mixture carrier fluid to form the reaction product. All of the first and/or second polyelectrolyte present in the mixture carrier fluid may precipitate therefrom during formation of the reaction product, or at least a portion of the first polyelectrolyte and at least a portion of the second polyelectrolyte may remain in the mixture carrier fluid during and/or after reaction product formation.
  • the mixture carrier fluid may evaporate from a mixture of the first and second polyelectrolytes, leaving behind the reaction product on the surface.
  • the mixture carrier fluid may bounce or roll off the surface, leaving behind the reaction product on the surface.
  • the mixture carrier fluid that bounces or rolls of the surface may comprise at least a portion of the first polyelectrolyte and/or at least a portion of the second polyelectrolyte.
  • the reaction product may comprise minimal amounts of the mixture carrier fluid, the first carrier fluid, and/or the second carrier fluid.
  • Reaction products may form from a variety of suitable reactions.
  • first and second polyelectrolytes of opposite charge may interact to form the reaction product.
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes may be electrostatically attracted to each other in solution and/or may release counter ions when they interact.
  • a carrier fluid e.g., a mixture carrier fluid
  • the reaction product may form from a coacervation reaction.
  • Forming the reaction product may comprise forming a polyelectrolyte complex (e.g., a polyelectrolyte complex comprising first and second polyelectrolytes).
  • Other reactions such as acid-base reactions, may also cause reaction products to form.
  • a reaction product may have a variety of suitable morphologies on a surface.
  • the reaction product may cover one or more discontinuous portions of the surface.
  • the reaction product may cover a single contiguous portion of the surface, and/or may cover the entirety of the surface.
  • one or more further steps may be performed.
  • the further steps may be performed after formation of a reaction product on a surface (e.g., as a component of a method that comprises forming a reaction product on a surface) or at another time.
  • One example of a further step is a step of applying a composition to the surface.
  • FIG. 1D shows a step of applying a composition 500 to a surface 300 on which a reaction product 400 is disposed.
  • the composition may comprise one, more, or none of a first carrier fluid, a second carrier fluid, a mixture carrier fluid, a first polyelectrolyte, and a second polyelectrolyte.
  • the composition may comprise one or more species configured to confer a benefit on the surface.
  • a composition may be applied at a variety of suitable points in time and at a variety of suitable locations.
  • the composition may be applied to the surface prior to the application of either or both of the first and second polyelectrolytes, at the same time as the application of either or both of the first and second polyelectrolytes, and/or after application of either or both of the first and second polyelectrolytes.
  • the composition may be applied to the surface prior to the formation of a reaction product thereon, as the reaction product is forming thereon, and/or after the reaction product has formed thereon.
  • the composition may be applied to a surface on which one, more than one, or none of the first carrier fluid, the second carrier fluid, and the mixture carrier fluid are disposed.
  • the composition may be applied to portions of the surface that lack reaction products, to portions of the surface on which reaction products are disposed, and/or to both portions of the surface on which reaction products are disposed and portions of the surface on which reaction products are not disposed.
  • a third composition may be applied to the surface in any of the manners described above with respect to the first and second polymers and carrier fluids or in any other manner.
  • compositions and/or kits may comprise one or more components configured to form a portion or portions of one or more of the articles described herein (e.g., portion(s) of a carrier fluid, a portion(s) of a mixture carrier fluid, portion(s) of a reaction product).
  • a composition and/or a kit may comprise a first polyelectrolyte and a second polyelectrolyte.
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes may be configured to be applied to be applied to a surface to form a reaction product by one or more of the methods described elsewhere herein and/or having one or more of the properties described elsewhere herein.
  • the first and second polyelectrolytes are configured to be components of a mixture carrier fluid having one or more of the properties described elsewhere herein. It should be understood that the first and second polyelectrolytes may be provided with first and second carrier fluids, may be configured to be added to first and/or second carrier fluids not provided therewith (i.e., first and/or second carrier fluids that do not form a portion of the composition and/or kit), or may be configured to be introduced to a mixture carrier fluid in another manner.
  • first carrier fluid, second carrier fluid, and mixed carrier fluid may comprise water.
  • first second carrier fluid, second carrier fluid, and/or mixed carrier fluid may be aqueous fluid(s).
  • one or more carrier fluids may comprise a salt.
  • a salt may enhance the formation of reaction products with advantageous properties. It is believed that the salt may weaken electrostatic interactions between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, which may promote enhanced polyelectrolyte aggregation when the salt is present in low amounts and reduced polyelectrolyte aggregation when the salt is present in high amounts.
  • mixture carrier fluids that comprise an amount of salt that leads to a desired level and/or rate of polyelectrolyte aggregation (e.g., a level of polyelectrolyte aggregation that promotes the formation of reaction products that enhance droplet retention, polyelectrolyte aggregation at a rate that enhances droplet retention) may be beneficial.
  • a desired level and/or rate of polyelectrolyte aggregation e.g., a level of polyelectrolyte aggregation that promotes the formation of reaction products that enhance droplet retention, polyelectrolyte aggregation at a rate that enhances droplet retention
  • a salt present in a carrier fluid may have a relatively low molecular weight.
  • the molecular weight of the salt may be less than or equal to 1 kg/mol, less than or equal to 750 g/mol, less than or equal to 500 g/mol, or less than or equal to 200 g/mol.
  • the molecular weight of the salt may be greater than 0 g/mol, greater than or equal to 100 g/mol, greater than or equal to 200 g/mol, greater than or equal to 500 g/mol, or greater than or equal to 750 g/mol. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 0 g/mol to 1 kg/mol, or from 0 g/mol to 200 g/mol). Other ranges are also possible.
  • the salt may comprise a variety of suitable cations.
  • the salt may comprise monovalent cations, divalent cations, trivalent cations, tetravalent cations, and/or cations of higher valency.
  • the salt may comprise monatomic cations and/or polyatomic cations.
  • suitable cations include Li + , Na + , K + , Be 2+ , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and Ba 2+ .
  • the salt may comprise a variety of suitable anions.
  • the salt may comprise monovalent anions, divalent anions, trivalent anions, tetravalent anions, and/or anions of higher valency.
  • the salt may comprise monatomic anions and/or polyatomic anions.
  • suitable anions include F ⁇ , Cl ⁇ , BP, I ⁇ , O 2 ⁇ , S 2 ⁇ , and CO 3 2 ⁇ .
  • Non-limiting examples of suitable salts include LiI, NaCl, NaBr, Na 2 O, KCl, K 2 S, BeCl 2 , BeO, MgCl 2 , MgO, MgCO 3 , CaCl 2 , CaI 2 , CaS, CaCO 3 , BaF 2 , and BaO.
  • a salt may be present in a carrier fluid (e.g., a first carrier fluid, a second carrier fluid, a mixture carrier fluid) at a variety of suitable concentrations.
  • concentration of the salt in the carrier fluid may be greater than or equal to 0.01 M, greater than or equal to 0.02 M, greater than or equal to 0.05 M, greater than or equal to 0.1 M, greater than or equal to 0.2 M, greater than or equal to 0.3 M, or greater than or equal to 0.4 M.
  • the concentration of the salt in the carrier fluid may be less than or equal to 0.5 M, less than or equal to 0.4 M, less than or equal to 0.3 M, less than or equal to 0.2 M, less than or equal to 0.1 M, less than or equal to 0.05 M, or less than or equal to 0.02 M. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 0.01 M to 0.5 M, or from 0.05 M to 0.2 M). Other ranges are also possible.
  • certain embodiments relate to polyelectrolytes in carrier fluids and/or reaction products (e.g., first polyelectrolytes, second polyelectrolytes). Some embodiments relate to polyelectrolytes in compositions and/or kits.
  • a variety of suitable polyelectrolytes may be employed.
  • the polyelectrolytes may include polymers comprising one or more repeating units that are charged in certain circumstances (e.g., in certain aqueous carrier fluids, in certain reaction products, in all circumstances), such as acidic groups and/or basic groups.
  • the polyelectrolytes may also comprise other repeating units that are uncharged (e.g., in the same circumstances in which one or more repeating units therein are charged).
  • one or both of the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte is a biological polyelectrolyte.
  • suitable biological polyelectrolytes include polysaccharides, DNA, RNA, chitosan, alginic acid, poly(L-lysine), poly(L-glutamic acid), carrageenan, heparin, and hyaluronic acid.
  • one or both of the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte is a chemically modified biological polyelectrolyte, such as pectin, chitosan, cellulose-based polyelectrolytes, starch-based polyelectrolytes, and dextran-based polyelectrolytes.
  • one or both of the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte is a synthetic polyelectrolyte.
  • Non-limiting examples of synthetic polyelectrolytes include poly(ethylene imine) (e.g., linear poly(ethylene imine)), poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinylbenzyltrialkyl ammonium), poly(4-vinyl-N-alkylpyridinium), poly(acryloyloxyalkyltrialkyl ammonium), poly(acrylamidoalkyltrialkyl ammonium), poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium), poly(styrene sulfonic acid), poly(vinyl sulfonic acid), poly(methacrylic acid), poly(itaconic acid), and maleic acid diallyl amine copolymers.
  • the first and/or second polyelectrolytes may be biodegradable and/or non-toxic.
  • both a first polyelectrolyte and a second polyelectrolyte may be present in a carrier fluid (e.g., a mixture carrier fluid).
  • a carrier fluid e.g., a mixture carrier fluid.
  • carrier fluids in which the concentration of the first polyelectrolyte and/or the concentration of the second polyelectrolyte are low may hinder reaction product formation such that the reaction products that form therefrom cover an undesirably low area fraction of a surface on which the mixture carrier fluid is disposed and/or form too slowly to arrest appreciable droplet bouncing or rolling off the surface. It is believed that carrier fluids in which both the concentration of the first polyelectrolyte and the concentration of the second polyelectrolyte are high may form gels instead of precipitating reaction products onto the surface. Carrier fluids in which both the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte are present in advantageous concentrations may have neither of these drawbacks.
  • a carrier fluid comprising both a first polyelectrolyte and a second polyelectrolyte may comprise both the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte in an amount of greater than or equal to 1 mM, greater than or equal to 2 mM, greater than or equal to 5 mM, greater than or equal to 10 mM, or greater than or equal to 20 mM.
  • the concentration of the first polyelectrolyte in the carrier fluid and the concentration of the second polyelectrolyte in the carrier fluid may both be less than or equal to 30 mM, less than or equal to 20 mM, less than or equal to 10 mM, less than or equal to 5 mM, or less than or equal to 2 mM. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 1 mM to 30 mM, from 5 mM to 20 mM). Other ranges are also possible.
  • a first polyelectrolyte, if present in a carrier fluid may be present at a variety of suitable concentrations in the carrier fluid.
  • concentration of the first polyelectrolyte in the carrier fluid may be greater than or equal to 1 mM, greater than or equal to 2 mM, greater than or equal to 5 mM, greater than or equal to 10 mM, or greater than or equal to 20 mM.
  • the concentration of the first polyelectrolyte in the carrier fluid may be less than or equal to 30 mM, less than or equal to 20 mM, less than or equal to 10 mM, less than or equal to 5 mM, or less than or equal to 2 mM. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 1 mM to 30 mM, from 5 mM to 20 mM). Other ranges are also possible.
  • a second polyelectrolyte, if present in a carrier fluid may be present at a variety of suitable concentrations in the carrier fluid.
  • concentration of the second polyelectrolyte in the carrier fluid may be greater than or equal to 1 mM, greater than or equal to 2 mM, greater than or equal to 5 mM, greater than or equal to 10 mM, or greater than or equal to 20 mM.
  • the concentration of the second polyelectrolyte in the carrier fluid may be less than or equal to 30 mM, less than or equal to 20 mM, less than or equal to 10 mM, less than or equal to 5 mM, or less than or equal to 2 mM. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 1 mM to 30 mM, from 5 mM to 20 mM). Other ranges are also possible.
  • a mixture carrier fluid may have a pH that is advantageous.
  • polyelectrolyte charge varies with pH. It is believed that lower values of pH favor protonation of acids and higher values of pH favor deprotonation of acids. Accordingly, polyelectrolytes comprising acidic groups that are neutral when protonated tend to be neutrally charged at lower values of pH and negatively charged at higher values of pH (polyelectrolytes comprising acidic groups that are positively charged when protonated tend to be positively charged at lower values of pH and less positively charged, neutrally charged, or negatively charged at higher values of pH).
  • pH of the mixture carrier fluid is equivalent to the pKa of the polyelectrolyte, half of the acidic groups thereon are protonated and half of the acidic groups thereon are deprotonated.
  • certain values of pH of the mixture carrier fluid may result in the polyelectrolyte having a higher level of charge.
  • increasing the pH of the mixture carrier fluid may increase the absolute value of the polyelectrolyte charge for polyelectrolytes that become negatively charged when deprotonated.
  • decreasing the pH of the mixture carrier fluid may increase the absolute value of the polyelectrolyte charge for polyelectrolytes that become positively charged when protonated.
  • a mixture carrier fluid may comprise two polyelectrolytes of opposite charge (e.g., a first polyelectrolyte with a first charge and a second polyelectrolyte with a second, opposite, charge), each of which have a charge with an absolute value in excess of a certain amount.
  • polyelectrolytes may interact favorably, as described elsewhere herein.
  • the pH of the mixture carrier fluid may be selected such that it is above the pKa of the negatively charged polyelectrolyte (e.g., the first polyelectrolyte, the second polyelectrolyte) and below the pKa of the positively charged polyelectrolyte (e.g., the first polyelectrolyte, the second polyelectrolyte).
  • the pH of the mixture carrier fluid may be greater than or equal to 3, greater than or equal to 3.5, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 4.5, greater than or equal to 5, greater than or equal to 5.5, greater than or equal to 6, greater than or equal to 6.5, greater than or equal to 7, or greater than or equal to 7.5.
  • the pH of the mixture carrier fluid may be less than or equal to 8, less than or equal to 7.5, less than or equal to 7, less than or equal to 6.5, less than or equal to 6, less than or equal to 5.5, less than or equal to 5, less than or equal to 4.5, less than or equal to 4, or less than or equal to 3.5. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 3 to 8, or from 5 to 7). Other ranges are also possible.
  • the pH of the mixture carrier fluid may be determined with a pH meter.
  • the pH of the first carrier fluid may be a variety of suitable values.
  • the pH of the first carrier fluid may be greater than or equal to 3, greater than or equal to 3.5, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 4.5, greater than or equal to 5, greater than or equal to 5.5, greater than or equal to 6, greater than or equal to 6.5, greater than or equal to 7, or greater than or equal to 7.5.
  • the pH of the first carrier fluid may be less than or equal to 8, less than or equal to 7.5, less than or equal to 7, less than or equal to 6.5, less than or equal to 6, less than or equal to 5.5, less than or equal to 5, less than or equal to 4.5, less than or equal to 4, or less than or equal to 3.5. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 3 to 8, or from 5 to 7). Other ranges are also possible.
  • the pH of the first carrier fluid may be determined with a pH meter.
  • the pH of the second carrier fluid may be a variety of suitable values.
  • the pH of the second carrier fluid may be greater than or equal to 3, greater than or equal to 3.5, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 4.5, greater than or equal to 5, greater than or equal to 5.5, greater than or equal to 6, greater than or equal to 6.5, greater than or equal to 7, or greater than or equal to 7.5.
  • the pH of the second carrier fluid may be less than or equal to 8, less than or equal to 7.5, less than or equal to 7, less than or equal to 6.5, less than or equal to 6, less than or equal to 5.5, less than or equal to 5, less than or equal to 4.5, less than or equal to 4, or less than or equal to 3.5. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 3 to 8, or from 5 to 7). Other ranges are also possible.
  • the pH of the second carrier fluid may be determined with a pH meter.
  • one or more polyelectrolytes present in one or more carrier fluids e.g., a first polyelectrolyte in a first carrier fluid, a second polyelectrolyte in a second carrier fluid, a first polyelectrolyte in a mixture carrier fluid, a second polyelectrolyte in a mixture carrier fluid, both a first and second polyelectrolyte in a mixture carrier fluid
  • carrier fluids e.g., a first polyelectrolyte in a first carrier fluid, a second polyelectrolyte in a second carrier fluid, a first polyelectrolyte in a mixture carrier fluid, a second polyelectrolyte in a mixture carrier fluid
  • the zeta potential of the polyelectrolyte may be indicative of its charge. Accordingly, it may be advantageous for one or more polyelectrolytes in one or more carrier fluids to have a zeta potential in excess of a certain amount.
  • an absolute value of a zeta potential of a first polyelectrolyte in a first carrier fluid is greater than or equal to 5 mV, greater than or equal to 10 mV, greater than or equal to 15 mV, greater than or equal to 20 mV, greater than or equal to 50 mV, greater than or equal to 75 mV, or greater than or equal to 100 mV.
  • the absolute value of the zeta potential of the first polyelectrolyte in the first carrier fluid may be less than or equal to 120 mV, less than or equal to 100 mV, less than or equal to 75 mV, less than or equal to 50 mV, less than or equal to 20 mV, less than or equal to 15 mV, or less than or equal to 10 mV. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 5 mV to 120 mV, or from 20 mV to 120 mV). Other ranges are also possible.
  • absolute values of zeta potentials refer to the magnitude of the zeta potential (e.g., a polyelectrolyte with a zeta potential with an absolute value of greater than or equal to 5 mV may have a zeta potential of greater than or equal to 5 mV or may have a zeta potential of less than or equal to ⁇ 5 mV).
  • the zeta potential of the first polyelectrolyte in the first carrier fluid may be determined by a commercially available zeta sizer.
  • an absolute value of a zeta potential of a first polyelectrolyte in a mixture carrier fluid is greater than or equal to 5 mV, greater than or equal to 10 mV, greater than or equal to 15 mV, greater than or equal to 20 mV, greater than or equal to 50 mV, greater than or equal to 75 mV, or greater than or equal to 100 mV.
  • the absolute value of the zeta potential of the first polyelectrolyte in the mixture carrier fluid may be less than or equal to 120 mV, less than or equal to 100 mV, less than or equal to 75 mV, less than or equal to 50 mV, less than or equal to 20 mV, less than or equal to 15 mV, or less than or equal to 10 mV. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 5 mV to 120 mV, or from 20 mV to 120 mV). Other ranges are also possible.
  • absolute values of zeta potentials refer to the magnitude of the zeta potential (e.g., a polyelectrolyte with a zeta potential with an absolute value of greater than or equal to 5 mV may have a zeta potential of greater than or equal to 5 mV or may have a zeta potential of less than or equal to ⁇ 5 mV).
  • the zeta potential of the first polyelectrolyte in the mixture carrier fluid may be determined by a commercially available zeta sizer.
  • an absolute value of a zeta potential of a second polyelectrolyte in a second carrier fluid is greater than or equal to 5 mV, greater than or equal to 10 mV, greater than or equal to 15 mV, greater than or equal to 20 mV, greater than or equal to 50 mV, greater than or equal to 75 mV, or greater than or equal to 100 mV.
  • the absolute value of the zeta potential of the second polyelectrolyte in the second carrier fluid may be less than or equal to 120 mV, less than or equal to 100 mV, less than or equal to 75 mV, less than or equal to 50 mV, less than or equal to 20 mV, less than or equal to 15 mV, or less than or equal to 10 mV. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 5 mV to 120 mV, or from 20 mV to 120 mV). Other ranges are also possible.
  • absolute values of zeta potentials refer to the magnitude of the zeta potential (e.g., a polyelectrolyte with a zeta potential with an absolute value of greater than or equal to 5 mV may have a zeta potential of greater than or equal to 5 mV or may have a zeta potential of less than or equal to ⁇ 5 mV).
  • the zeta potential of the second polyelectrolyte in the second carrier fluid may be determined by a commercially available zeta sizer.
  • an absolute value of a zeta potential of a second polyelectrolyte in a mixture carrier fluid is greater than or equal to 5 mV, greater than or equal to 10 mV, greater than or equal to 15 mV, greater than or equal to 20 mV, greater than or equal to 50 mV, greater than or equal to 75 mV, or greater than or equal to 100 mV.
  • the absolute value of the zeta potential of the second polyelectrolyte in the mixture carrier fluid may be less than or equal to 120 mV, less than or equal to 100 mV, less than or equal to 75 mV, less than or equal to 50 mV, less than or equal to 20 mV, less than or equal to 15 mV, or less than or equal to 10 mV. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 5 mV to 120 mV, or from 20 mV to 120 mV). Other ranges are also possible.
  • absolute values of zeta potentials refer to the magnitude of the zeta potential (e.g., a polyelectrolyte with a zeta potential with an absolute value of greater than or equal to 5 mV may have a zeta potential of greater than or equal to 5 mV or may have a zeta potential of less than or equal to ⁇ 5 mV).
  • the zeta potential of the second polyelectrolyte in the mixture carrier fluid may be determined by a commercially available zeta sizer.
  • absolute values of both a first polyelectrolyte and a second polyelectrolyte in a mixture carrier fluid are greater than or equal to 5 mV, greater than or equal to 10 mV, greater than or equal to 15 mV, greater than or equal to 20 mV, greater than or equal to 50 mV, greater than or equal to 75 mV, or greater than or equal to 100 mV.
  • the absolute values of the zeta potentials of both the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte in the mixture carrier fluid may be less than or equal to 120 mV, less than or equal to 100 mV, less than or equal to 75 mV, less than or equal to 50 mV, less than or equal to 20 mV, less than or equal to 15 mV, or less than or equal to 10 mV. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 5 mV to 120 mV, or from 20 mV to 120 mV). Other ranges are also possible.
  • the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte typically have opposite values of zeta potential (e.g., when both the first polyelectrolyte and the second polyelectrolyte have zeta potentials with an absolute value of greater than or equal to 5 mV, the first polyelectrolyte may have a zeta potential of greater than or equal to 5 mV in the mixture carrier fluid and the second polyelectrolyte may have a zeta potential of less than or equal to ⁇ 5 mV in the mixture carrier fluid).
  • the zeta potential of the first and second polyelectrolytes in the mixture carrier fluid may be determined by a commercially available zeta sizer.
  • a carrier fluid e.g., a first carrier fluid, a second carrier fluid, a mixture carrier fluid
  • a carrier fluid may have a viscosity that is advantageous.
  • the viscosity of the carrier fluid may be indicative of one or more properties of the carrier fluid that affect its utility for forming advantageous reaction products.
  • high viscosities may be indicative of gels while lower viscosities may be indicative of fluids that are not gels.
  • a carrier fluid (e.g., a first carrier fluid, a second carrier fluid, a mixture carrier fluid) may have a viscosity of less than or equal to 1 Pa*s, less than or equal to 0.5 Pa*s, less than or equal to 0.2 Pa*s, or less than or equal to 0.1 Pa*s.
  • the viscosity of the carrier fluid may be determined by a viscometer.
  • a carrier fluid may have a variety of suitable turbidities. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that certain values of turbidity may be indicative of one or more properties of the carrier fluid that affect its utility for forming advantageous reaction products. As an example, higher values of turbidity may be indicative of carrier fluids comprising a large number of reaction products and/or reaction products of an appreciable size. High values of turbidity may be indicative of a desirable extent of reaction product formation.
  • the turbidity of a carrier fluid from which the formation of reaction products is desirable may be greater than or equal to 10 NTU, greater than or equal to 20 NTU, greater than or equal to 50 NTU, or greater than or equal to 100 NTU.
  • the turbidity of the carrier fluid may be determined by a nephelometer.
  • certain methods may further comprise applying a composition to a surface (e.g., a composition other than a first polyelectrolyte in a first carrier fluid, a second polyelectrolyte in a second carrier fluid, and a mixture carrier fluid; a composition that comprises one or more of the first polyelectrolyte in the first carrier fluid, the second polyelectrolyte in the second carrier fluid, and/or a mixture carrier fluid).
  • the composition may be provided with a composition and/or kit further comprising a first polyelectrolyte and a second polyelectrolyte (and, optionally, a first carrier fluid and/or a second carrier fluid) as described elsewhere herein or may be provided separately.
  • a composition and/or kit as described elsewhere herein is configured to be mixed with the relevant composition and/or applied with the relevant composition to a surface.
  • the composition may comprise water. In other words, the composition may be an aqueous composition.
  • a carrier fluid e.g., a first carrier fluid, a second carrier fluid, a mixture carrier fluid
  • a composition e.g., a composition applied to the surface prior to the application of either or both of the first and second polyelectrolytes, at the same time as the application of either or both of the first and second polyelectrolytes, and/or after application of either or both of the first and second polyelectrolytes; a composition applied to a surface prior to the formation of a reaction product thereon, as the reaction product is forming thereon, and/or after the reaction product has formed thereon; a composition applied to a surface on which one, more than one, or none of the first carrier fluid, the second carrier fluid, and the mixture carrier fluid are disposed), and/or a reaction product may further comprise one or more additional species.
  • the additional species may be an active agent, such as a species that confers a beneficial property onto the carrier fluid and/or a surface on which the carrier fluid is disposed (and/or configured to be disposed), such as pest resistance, coloration, flavoring, etc.
  • suitable active agents include agricultural chemicals (e.g., pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, nutrients), pigments, paints, flavorings, pharmaceutically active ingredients, cosmetics, anti-icing liquids, and fire retardant species.
  • the active agent may be a pesticide that comprises one or more of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and pentachlorophenol (PCP).
  • certain methods comprise applying one or more fluids (e.g., a first carrier fluid, a second carrier fluid, a composition comprising a fluid) to a surface.
  • a surface may be a portion of a plant, such as a portion of a leaf, a portion of a root, a portion of a fruit, a portion of a vegetable, and/or a portion of a flower.
  • the surface may be a portion of a fungus and/or a portion of an insect.
  • the surface may comprise a portion of a produce item or a surface of a form of vegetation.
  • the surface may comprise an edible non-toxic item such as a food item.
  • a surface as described herein may have a variety of suitable roughnesses.
  • the roughness of the surface may be greater than or equal to 1 nm, greater than or equal to 2 nm, greater than or equal to 5 nm, greater than or equal to 10 nm, greater than or equal to 20 nm, greater than or equal to 50 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm, greater than or equal to 200 nm, greater than or equal to 500 nm, greater than or equal to 1 micron, greater than or equal to 2 microns, greater than or equal to 5 microns, greater than or equal to 10 microns, greater than or equal to 20 microns, or greater than or equal to 50 microns.
  • the roughness of the surface may be less than or equal to 100 microns, less than or equal to 50 microns, less than or equal to 20 microns, less than or equal to 10 microns, less than or equal to 5 microns, less than or equal to 2 microns, less than or equal to 1 micron, less than or equal to 500 nm, less than or equal to 200 nm, less than or equal to 100 nm, less than or equal to 50 nm, less than or equal to 20 nm, less than or equal to 10 nm, less than or equal to 5 nm, or less than or equal to 2 nm.
  • Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 1 nm to 100 microns, or from 20 nm to 10 microns). Other ranges are also possible.
  • the roughness of the surface may be determined by atomic force microscopy.
  • a surface may have a variety of suitable contact angles with water (e.g., prior to exposure to one, some, or all of a first carrier fluid, a second carrier fluid, and a mixture carrier fluid; prior to application of the first polyelectrolyte and/or the second polyelectrolyte; prior to formation of the reaction product).
  • the water contact angle of the surface may be greater than or equal to 90°, greater than or equal to 100°, greater than or equal to 110°, greater than or equal to 120°, greater than or equal to 130°, greater than or equal to 140°, greater than or equal to 150°, greater than or equal to 160°, or greater than or equal to 170°.
  • the water contact angle of the surface may be less than or equal to 180°, less than or equal to 170°, less than or equal to 160°, less than or equal to 150°, less than or equal to 140°, less than or equal to 130°, less than or equal to 120°, less than or equal to 110°, or less than or equal to 100°. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., from 90° to 180°). Other ranges are also possible.
  • the water contact angle of the surface may be determined with a goniometer.
  • Certain methods described herein result in the retention of large volumes of fluid on surfaces (e.g., large volumes of one or more of a first carrier fluid, a second carrier fluid, a mixture carrier fluid, a composition comprising a fluid).
  • performing a method as described herein causes the surface to hold greater than or equal to 0.5 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, greater than or equal to 1 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, greater than or equal to 2 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, greater than or equal to 4 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, greater than or equal to 10 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, greater than or equal to 20 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, or greater than or equal to 40 mL/cm 2 of a fluid.
  • Performing a method as described herein may cause the surface to hold less than or equal to 100 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, less than or equal to 40 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, less than or equal to 20 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, less than or equal to 10 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, less than or equal to 4 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, less than or equal to 2 mL/cm 2 of a fluid, or less than or equal to 1 mL/cm 2 of a fluid.
  • the fluid held by the surface may be determined by determining the area of the surface by image analysis, weighing the surface both prior to and after to performing the method, and then dividing the increase in weight after performing the method by the area of the surface.
  • a composition and/or a kit may be provided with directions for use.
  • the directions for use may describe how to employ the composition and/or kit to form a reaction product on a surface.
  • the directions for use may comprise instructions for how to perform any of the methods described herein and/or for how to form any of the articles described herein.
  • the directions for use describe procedures for mixing the component(s) of the composition and/or kit with each other and/or other components not provided therewith.
  • the directions for use may describe directions for applying first and second carrier fluids formed by the composition and/or kit (and/or one or more components thereof) to a surface.
  • the directions for use may comprise storage instructions and/or instructions for assessing the quality of first, second, and/or mixture carrier fluids (and/or articles produced by the composition and/or kit).
  • the directions for use may describe further components not provided with the composition and/or kit that may be added thereto, such as further fluids (e.g., a fluid comprising water), additives, and/or other suitable components.
  • This Example describes formulations that have enhanced utility for retaining deposited compositions on surfaces. The effects of pH of the formulation, salt concentration in the formulation, and polyelectrolyte concentration in the formulation on deposited composition retention are discussed.
  • compositions that contain an additional salt may be advantageous in comparison to compositions lacking the additional salt.
  • additional salt e.g., NaCl
  • the amount of formed surface precipitates varies non-monotonically with salt concentration in certain cases. It typically first increases with salt concentration, then has a dip and reaches a local minimum, then increases again to a second maximum and then drops continuously as more salt is added. Formulations that have a salt concentration corresponding to one of the two maxima (the maxima are comparable in precipitate formation) may be advantageous. For NaCl used with chitosan and alginate, these maxima are around 0.05 M and 0.15 M.
  • Polyelectrolytes are macromolecules. For certain polyelectrolytes, a substantial portion of the constitutional units has ionizable or ionic groups, or both. Polyelectrolytes may be water soluble, and, if so, their charged groups may dissociate in solution. Positively charged polyelectrolytes are called polycations and negatively charged ones are called polyanions. Certain polyelectrolytes combine the properties of polymers and salts: their solutions may be viscous at high concentrations, and they may be conductive. Examples of biological polyelectrolytes include polysaccharides and DNA. Synthetic polyelectrolytes also exist.
  • Polyelectrolytes can be strong or weak, depending on whether they fully or partially dissociate in solution. Weak polyelectrolytes are polyelectrolytes that are not fully charged in solution; the amount to which they are charged can be tuned by changing the pH. To quantify the electric interactions of polyelectrolytes, the zeta potential is commonly used. The zeta potential is the electric potential in the interfacial double layer surrounding the polyelectrolyte, at the location of the stationary layer of fluid attached to the molecule.
  • PEC polyelectrolyte complexes
  • PECs are polymer aggregates; certain PECs can precipitate out of solution and form solid particles. Some PECs may be formed in reactions that occur on microsecond scales. Some PECs are stable through electrostatic attraction of the oppositely charged ions. Since the interaction is electrostatic, the formation of PECs may depend on the zeta potential of the polyelectrolyte solutions and/or on the ionic strength of the solutions. The formation of PECs may be determined by a number of methods, including mass measurement of complexes, turbidity as a proxy for particle density, viscometry, microscopy and FTIR.
  • Turbidity is the haziness of a fluid caused by suspended particles. It is measured here with a nephelometer (Sper Scientific Turbidity Meter 860040), an instrument that measures turbidity by using a light beam of wavelength 850 nm and a light detector located at 90° from the source to measure the scattered light by the suspended particles. This measurement may depend on particle density in the solution, particle size, and/or particle shape.
  • the used surface here was a hydrophobic OTS-coated glass slide.
  • Chitosan (positively charged) and Alginic Acid (negatively charged) were mixed in various quantities, depending on the desired molarity.
  • a drop of Chitosan solution was placed onto the surface, then a drop of Alginic Acid solution was added.
  • a fab wipe was employed to dab away excess liquid (without ever touching the wipe to the glass slide).
  • an air gun was used.
  • the deposits were imaged using a microscope and an image analysis tool was used in order to calculate the percent of area that the deposit covered.
  • the maximum in precipitate formation around pH 5 observed here may be due to the variation of the zeta potential of the polyelectrolytes employed ( FIG. 2C ).
  • FIG. 2C When observing the zeta potentials of alginate and chitosan as a function of pH, it can be seen that for low pH, alginate is not charged, while for high pH, chitosan is not charged.
  • the pH value of 5 occurs in the center of the region where both polyelectrolytes are charged, at the point where both of the zeta potentials are the highest, which may explain the peak in deposit formation at that value.
  • salts may enable the rearrangement of polyelectrolyte molecules by weakening the electrostatic interaction, which may lead to more aggregation.
  • the salt may screen the charge, which may prevent the complexes from forming.
  • the effect of salt was found to be very dependent on the polyelectrolytes used in the case of PECs.
  • FIG. 4A shows a linear relationship until 20 mmol, after which point the solutions appear to have reached a point of saturation. The values above 20 mmol do not continue to increase with the same increments. A clear increase with the addition of NaCl is also observable.
  • Turbidity experiments in this case show the same linear trends ( FIG. 4B ) at lower polyelectrolyte concentrations, but not at higher concentrations of polyelectrolytes.
  • the polyelectrolytes combined to form large gel-like structures that are more transparent and cause less light scattering, resulting in low turbidity values.
  • FIG. 5 shows the turbidity values as a function of surface precipitate coverage for all the experiments done with chitosan and alginate varying pH, ionic strength and polyelectrolyte concentration (below saturation). Additional experiments with LPEI and PAA were also included. It can be seen that, although there is some scattering in the data, a linear tendency can be observed through two orders of magnitude. This suggests that turbidity could be used as a proxy for surface precipitate concentration, which may provide a facile way to test and optimize new polyelectrolyte solutions.
  • This Example has demonstrated a mechanism to enhance spray deposition on hydrophobic surfaces through in-situ precipitation of polyelectrolytes on the surface. Defects formed in-situ on the surface during the impact can advantageously pin the impinging droplets. A potential mechanism of precipitate formation in coalescing droplets has been examined, which may enhance understanding of the extent of the precipitation reaction during droplet impacts. Methods described in this Example may allow surface modification and deposition of the liquid of interest in one single step. This Example also explored the effect of polyelectrolyte concentration on droplet pinning.
  • a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
  • the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
  • This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
  • “at least one of A and B” can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

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