Abstract: A method of determining surface properties of interest of a surface. The method comprises providing a magnetic liquid and applying it onto a part of the surface in the form of a droplet. The droplet contacts the surface and it is subjected to a magnetic field. The lateral position of the magnetic field maximum is changed relative to the surface to drag the drop magnetically along a predetermined length of the surface following a path. The retentive force exerted on the droplet during its movement is measured in order to collect data as the drop moves along the surface, and the surface properties of interest are determined from the collected data. The method can be used for studying wetting properties and, in one embodiment, the method is used for assessing homogeneity and potential contamination of a surface.

Abstract: A force sensing probe (100) for sensing snap-in and/or pull-off force of a liquid droplet (111) brought into and/or separated from contact with a hydrophobic sample surface (151), respectively, comprises: a sensing tip (101); a sensor element (102) connected to the sensing tip, capable of sensing sub-micronewton forces acting on the sensing tip in a measurement direction; and a droplet holding plate (104) having a first main surface (105) and a hydrophilic second main surface (106) connected via a peripheral edge surface (107), and being attached via the first main surface to the sensing tip (101) perpendicularly relative to the measurement direction for receiving and holding a liquid droplet (111) as attached to the second main surface; the droplet holding plate comprising an electrically conductive surface layer (115), the first and the second main surfaces and the peripheral edge surface being defined by the surface layer.

Abstract: A substrate having a superhydrophobic surface and methods of manufacturing the same and uses thereof. The substrate comprises a frame of a first material of interconnected structures exhibiting cavities having the shape of inverted pyramids; and a second material comprising hydrophobic structures filling the cavities, wherein the sidewalls of the inverted pyramids form an angle ? of 105°<?<135° against the surface. The hydrophobic structures, such as nanoparticles, provide excellent water repellency, whereas the structures formed by a mechanically durable substrate material, typically comprising microstructures, act as armor to resist abrasion. The substrates are robust, durable and abrasion resistant and can be used as surfaces in self-cleaning, anti-fouling or heat transfer materials as well as in transparent surfaces, in particular in solar cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to macrocyclic cavity containing compounds and uses thereof in inhibiting a microbial signalling molecule or in reducing the amount of a microbial signalling molecule in a subject. The invention also relates to methods for inhibiting a microbial signalling molecule or for reducing the amount of a microbial signalling molecule in a subject by contacting a macrocyclic cavity-containing compound with said subject.

Abstract: A force sensing probe (100) for sensing snap-in and/or pull-off force of a liquid droplet (111) brought into and/or separated from contact with a hydrophobic sample surface (151), respectively, comprises: a sensing tip (101); a sensor element (102) connected to the sensing tip, capable of sensing sub-micronewton forces acting on the sensing tip in a measurement direction; and a droplet holding plate (104) having a first main surface (105) and a hydrophilic second main surface (106) connected via a peripheral edge surface (107), and being attached via the first main surface to the sensing tip (101) perpendicularly relative to the measurement direction for receiving and holding a liquid droplet (111) as attached to the second main surface; the droplet holding plate comprising an electrically conductive surface layer (115), the first and the second main surfaces and the peripheral edge surface being defined by the surface layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a superhydrophobic surface, which includes cellulosic material. The cellulosic material includes nanocellulose particles and the method includes adding the nanocellulose particles to a surface and hydrophobizing the nanocellulose particles with a modifier before, during and/or after the addition of the particles. The invention further relates to a hydrophobic coating.