Abstract: Compositions, devices, and methods are disclosed for the modification of polymer surfaces with coatings having a dispersion of silicone polymer and hydrophobic silica. The surface coatings provide the polymer surface with high hydrophobicity, as well as increased resistance to biofouling with proteinaceous material. The polymer surfaces can be particularly useful in microfluidic devices and methods that involve the contacting of the covalently modified polymer surfaces with emulsions of aqueous droplets containing biological macromolecules within an oil carrier phase.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, and methods are disclosed for the covalent modification of polymer surfaces with graft copolymers having a blend of side chains. The halogenated acrylic and polyalkylene glycol acrylic side chains of the graft copolymer provide the polymer surface with high hydrophobicity, as well as increased resistance to biofouling with proteinaceous material. The polymer surfaces can be particularly useful in microfluidic devices and methods that involve the contacting of the covalently modified polymer surfaces with emulsions of aqueous droplets containing biological macromolecules within an oil carrier phase.

Abstract: A variable transmission medium comprises a fluid and a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed in the fluid, wherein addition of acid to the fluid causes the nanoparticles to flocculate and form aggregates of particles that scatter light. The nanoparticles may comprise at least one metal oxide, such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or zirconium dioxide. The fluid may have a dielectric constant less than about 10.

Abstract: An electrophoretic medium including a mixture of charge control agents, for example quaternary amine salts of polyisobutylene combined with quaternary amine salts of polyesters. The described electrophoretic medium exhibits improved color saturation as compared to similar electrophoretic media having only one of the charge control agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a group of charge control agents suitable for use in an electrophoretic display. The charge control agent can improve the optical performance of an electrophoretic display.

Abstract: An autonomic conductivity restoration system includes a solid conductor and a plurality of particles. The particles include a conductive fluid, a plurality of conductive microparticles, and/or a conductive material forming agent. The solid conductor has a first end, a second end, and a first conductivity between the first and second ends. When a crack forms between the first and second ends of the conductor, the contents of at least a portion of the particles are released into the crack. The cracked conductor and the released contents of the particles form a restored conductor having a second conductivity, which may be at least 90% of the first conductivity.

Abstract: An autonomic conductivity restoration system includes a solid conductor and a plurality of particles. The particles include a conductive fluid, a plurality of conductive microparticles, and/or a conductive material forming agent. The solid conductor has a first end, a second end, and a first conductivity between the first and second ends. When a crack forms between the first and second ends of the conductor, the contents of at least a portion of the particles are released into the crack. The cracked conductor and the released contents of the particles form a restored conductor having a second conductivity, which may be at least 90% of the first conductivity.