Abstract: Compositions for rendering a hydrophobic surface hydrophilic and methods for manufacturing them and applying them to objects such as contact lenses. A hydrophobic binder, typically a silicone compound such as a siloxane, selectively attaches hydrophilic solution-produced nanoparticles to the surface, such as hydrophobic regions of a silicone contact lens. Hydrophilic regions are preferably unmodified. The binder attaches to the particles via functional groups in solution and can autoadhere to the hydrophobic surface. A coating of the composition can be deposited from solution at ambient or room temperature, allowing coating of temperature sensitive substrates. Such coatings can withstand heating (such as for sterilization) in acidic solutions or heat sensitive solutions, retaining their hydrophilic properties.

Abstract: Compositions for rendering a hydrophobic surface hydrophilic and methods for applying them to objects such as contact lenses. A hydrophobic binder, typically a silicone compound such as a siloxane, selectively attaches hydrophilic solution-produced nanoparticles to the surface, such as hydrophobic regions of a silicone contact lens. Hydrophilic regions are preferably unmodified. The binder attaches to the particles via functional groups in solution and can autoadhere to the hydrophobic surface. A coating of the composition can be deposited from solution at ambient or room temperature, allowing coating of temperature sensitive substrates. Such coatings can withstand heating (such as for sterilization) in acidic solutions or heat sensitive solutions, retaining their hydrophilic properties.

Abstract: Optically clear hydrophobic and superhydrophobic coatings and solutions and methods for preparing them. Branched polysilicate structures having surface hydroxyl groups are formed by at least partially hydrolyzing an alkoxy silane precursor via water and an acid catalyst in a solvent, and catalyzing the hydrolysis product with a base to form a gel. The structures are dispersed to form a colloidal suspension, and then hydrophilic hydroxyl groups on the structures are reacted with a silylating agent and replaced with hydrophobic and/or oleophobic ligands. Additional solvent may be added to form a coating which is optically clear.