Abstract: The invention is a process useful for providing a treated support comprising a porous nanoweb coating wherein the treated support is characterized by a biofilm cell count of less than 50% that of an untreated porous support control. The process is useful for modifying porous materials, such as filter media and barrier fabrics to provide resistance to biofouling. The porous nanoweb coating is comprised of fibrous structures derived from gelation and drying of supramolecular assemblies of non-covalently bonded organogelators. Typical organogelators useful in the invention include those that assemble via hydrogen bonding and ?-stacking.

Abstract: The invention discloses novel composite materials comprising a porous support and a nanoweb coating and/or interpenetrating the porous support. The nanoweb is comprised of fibrous structures derived from gelation and drying of supramolecular assemblies of non-covalently bonded organogelators. Typical organogelators useful in the invention include those that assemble via hydrogen bonding and ?-stacking. Methods for preparing the composite materials are also disclosed that include critical point drying of the gelled nanowebs with carbon dioxide. The composites are useful as filters for gaseous and liquid fluids, as barrier fabrics, and as cleaning wipes.