Surface-Bound Gradients for Studies of Soft Materials Behavior

We provide a succinct account of surface-bound gradient structures created from soft materials or those facilitating the study of soft materials behavior. We commence by classifying the chief attributes of gradient structures and offer a few examples of fabrication methods employed to generate such structures. We then illustrate the versatility of gradient assemblies in functioning as recording media for monitoring a physico-chemical process, facilitating fast screening of physico-chemical phenomena, and playing an important part in the design and fabrication of surface-anchored molecular and macromolecular engines for the directed transport of soft materials.