Synthesis of Hydrogel Hollow Capsules on a Superhydrophobic Surface

Abstract

A single-step synthetic method for preparing hydrogel hollow capsules on a superhydrophobic surface was successfully developed. Aqueous microdroplets of a mixture of hydrogel monomer and cross-linker solutions were deposited on the superhydrophobic surface, which was situated under the hydrocarbon oil layer containing photoinitiator. When exposed to UV light, the aqueous microdroplets were converted to hollow capsules with a polymerized hydrogel shell, formed due to the diffusion of photoinitiators at the oil/water interface. This method for producing hydrogel hollow capsules on superhydrophobic surfaces is simple and efficient, rendering easy encapsulation of colloidal nanoparticles, drugs, or biological cells.