title: Zwitterionic Nanofibers of Super-Glue for Transparent and Biocompatible Multi-Purpose Coatings.
abstract: Here we show that macrozwitterions of poly(ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate), commonly called Super Glue, can easily assemble into long and well defined fibers by electrospinning. The resulting fibrous networks are thermally treated on glass in order to create transparent coatings whose superficial morphology recalls the organization of the initial electrospun mats. These textured coatings are characterized by low liquid adhesion and anti-staining performance. Furthermore, the low friction coefficient and excellent scratch resistance make them attractive as solid lubricants. The inherent texture of the coatings positively affects their biocompatibility. In fact, they are able to promote the proliferation and differentiation of myoblast stem cells. Optically-transparent and biocompatible coatings that simultaneously possess characteristics of low water contact angle hysteresis, low friction and mechanical robustness can find application in a wide range of technological sectors, from the construction and automotive industries to electronic and biomedical devices.
authors.affiliation: Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.|Department of Materials, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mele
authors.affiliation: Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: José A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Heredia-Guerrero
authors.affiliation: Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Ilker S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Bayer
authors.affiliation: Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ciofani
authors.affiliation: Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Giada G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Genchi
authors.affiliation: Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ceseracciu
authors.affiliation: Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.affiliation: Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Evie L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Papadopoulou
authors.affiliation: Drug Discovery and Development Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Markus J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Barthel
authors.affiliation: Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marini
authors.affiliation: CEMES, CNRS, 29 rue J. Marvig, 31055 Toulouse Cedex 4, France.
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ruffilli
authors.affiliation: Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Athanassia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Athanassiou