Liquid crystal-infused slippery anti-fouling surfaces
US12291651B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2022 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10N2050/08
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides liquid crystal (LC)-infused materials and methods for detecting compounds or impurities in liquid samples using such materials. These slippery materials comprise a lubricating liquid, preferably a thermotropic liquid crystal, and a solid substrate able to immobilize or host the lubricating liquid. The portion of the substrate coated by the lubricating fluid forms a slippery surface able to allow droplets of various materials to slide off the slippery surface in a manner dependent on the chemical composition of the droplet, which can be used to detect the presence of analytes, impurities and other molecules within the droplet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.