Utilizing Lubricant Loss from Omniphobic Coatings as a Multifunctional Delivery Mechanism

Silicon-based lubricant-infused surfaces (LIS) have revolutionized the surface and interface science field with their omniphobic properties. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) LIS have demonstrated excellent potential for many biological, food, or cosmetic applications. However, translation into industry faces limitations for synthesis methodologies, reagent expense, retention of omniphobicity, and legislature concerning lubricant migration. Preventing lubricant loss and retention of omniphobicity has been widely investigated, but what if the gradual lubricant depletion could be utilized for releasing active agents? Herein, we produce silicone-based organogel LIS via spontaneous 1-step polyurea reactions (Silgels) and functionalize with silver nanoparticles (Ag NP). We comparatively examined their physicochemical properties, omniphobic dewetting for probe liquids and complex mixtures (foodstuffs), and biocompatibility with mammalian and bacterial cultures. Overall, we present an easily scalable methodology to produce multifunctional, biocompatible LIS that has potential for the food packaging, cosmetic, and biological industries.