Applied universal all-aqueous hydrophilization of non-wettable surfaces

An aqueous silk fibroin solution at specific concentrations addresses surface wetting challenges, enabling efficient nanomaterial assembly and deposition across various surfaces without altering surface tension, improving interaction and deposition processes.

WO2026136969A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-25TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGE
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGE
Filing Date
2025-12-19
Publication Date
2026-06-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing aqueous processes face challenges in achieving optimal surface wetting due to energetic mismatches between surfaces and the aqueous environment, leading to sub-optimal deposition of materials and ineffective interactions.

Method used

The use of an aqueous silk fibroin solution at concentrations between 0.001% and 0.10% to treat surfaces, allowing for improved wetting and subsequent assembly of nanomaterials or deposition of materials without altering surface tension.

Benefits of technology

The method enables effective wetting and assembly of nanomaterials on diverse surfaces, enhancing interactions and deposition processes, including food surface treatment, cosmetic application, and electrostatic ink printing, with improved uniformity and efficiency.

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Abstract

Methods and facilities for all-aqueous hydrophilization of non-wettable surfaces are provided. The methods generally involve applying an aqueous silk solution including silk fibroin in an amount by weight of between 0.001% and 0.10%. The inventors unexpectedly discovered that a wide range of surfaces could be treated in this fashion. The inventors unexpectedly discovered that a wide range of applications were made accessible by this discovery.
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