Abstract: Polymeric antioxidants of offer the ability to simultaneously control properties such as hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, adhesion to a substrate, and glass transition temperature. The polymeric antioxidants offer advantages and superior properties to other compounds. Corrosion barriers including a polymeric antioxidant may be formed. A corrosion barrier coating may include multiple layers. The multiple layers may include an epoxy-based barrier layer and a polymeric antioxidant layer. The multiple layers may be discrete or mixed. The polymeric antioxidant layer may be a synthetic polymeric antioxidant that is formed by synthesizing at least one monomer and synthesizing a polymer from the at least one monomer using a controlled radical polymerization technique.

Abstract: A film for the retention and controlled release of organic or inorganic molecules consists essentially of a phyllosilicate clay and a organic polyanion. The film may be a built-up layered film of alternating layers of the clay and the polyanion. Organic or inorganic molecules are absorbed into the film from solution, and released in response to changes in the film's environment. The film may be built up using layer-by-layer (LbL) methods, or deposited on a substrate from a mixture of the clay and polyanion. Articles may be coated with the film by the same methods. The film is useful for the controlled release of antibiotics in response to infections, and also retains antibiotics such that bacteria may be killed by direct contact with the film.

Abstract: A film for the retention and controlled release of organic or inorganic molecules consists essentially of a phyllosilicate clay and a organic polyanion. The film may be a built-up layered film of alternating layers of the clay and the polyanion. Organic or inorganic molecules are absorbed into the film from solution, and released in response to changes in the film's environment. The film may be built up using layer-by-layer (LbL) methods, or deposited on a substrate from a mixture of the clay and polyanion. Articles may be coated with the film by the same methods. The film is useful for the controlled release of antibiotics in response to infections, and also retains antibiotics such that bacteria may be killed by direct contact with the film.

Abstract: A film contains a first polymer having a plurality of hydrogen bond donating moieties, and a second polymer having a plurality of hydrogen bond accepting moieties. The second polymer is hydrogen bonded to the first polymer.

Abstract: An inventive sensor is used in combination with spectroscopic techniques to detect, identify and quantify ultratrace (ppt to ppb) quantities of analytes in air or water samples. The sensor preferably comprises a photonic crystal fiber having an air hole cladding with functionalized air holes. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is a preferred spectroscopic technique. In such applications, the air holes of the fiber may be functionalized by adsorbing a self-assembled monolayer on their inner surfaces, and immobilizing metallic nanoparticles to the monolayer. The invention has chemical and biomedical applications, and utility in detecting chemical and biological agents used in warfare.

Abstract: Nanometer-scale hydrogels are formed from a polymer film by exposing said film to a focused electron beam of 1 to 10 nm diameter. The hydrogels may be formed in regular patterns, such as arrays, or in irregular patterns. The hydrogels have a plurality of functional groups that can form covalent bonds with proteins while preserving the natural functionality of the proteins. Such functionalized nanohydrogels may serve as a substrate for attachment of other proteins or cells, or may be used in other biological applications.

Abstract: Micro-, and nano-scale capsules comprising neutral (uncharged) polymeric layers, layers associated by hydrogen bonding and methods for making such capsules. The capsules of the invention are layered upon a core particle using a layer-by layer-technique. The capsule walls of the capsules of the invention give a tailored response to external stimuli.

Abstract: Surface-patterned microgels are formed by treating polymer films like electron-beam photoresists, but without destroying or removing the patterned microgels from their substrate. Focused electron beams are used to create patterned microgels on surfaces where the enhanced spatial resolution can be exploited to create gels with characteristic length scales relevant to cellular and sub-cellular processes. Varying the beam intensity allows control of the concentration of proteins that adhere to the resulting microgel. The process can be used to precisely locate the adhesive junction between cells and a substrate and to confine cell growth within defined areas.

Abstract: A film contains a first polymer having a plurality of hydrogen bond donating moieties, and a second polymer having a plurality of hydrogen bond accepting moieties. The second polymer is hydrogen bonded to the first polymer.

Abstract: Low molecular weight molecules are selectively released from a layered polymer film having a net excess charge by introducing at least one other type of molecule that binds reversibly to the film and thereby reduces the net excess charge. Oligomeric and polymeric molecules, whether synthetic or natural, are selectively and reversibly released from the layered polymer film in response to variation in ionic strength in the environment of the film. Such molecules are also selectively and reversibly released from the layered polymer film in response to changes in the pH in the environment of the film.

Abstract: A film contains a first polymer having a plurality of hydrogen bond donating moieties, and a second polymer having a plurality of hydrogen bond accepting moieties. The second polymer is hydrogen bonded to the first polymer.