Water as the often neglected medium at the interface between materials and biology

Abstract

Despite its apparent simplicity, water behaves in a complex manner and is fundamental in controlling many physical, chemical and biological processes. The molecular mechanisms underlying interaction of water with materials, particularly polymer networks such as hydrogels, have received much attention in the research community. Despite this, a large gulf still exists in applying what is known to rationalize how the molecular organization of water on and within these materials impacts biological processes. In this perspective, we outline the importance of water in biomaterials science as a whole and give indications for future research directions towards emergence of a complete picture of water, materials and biology.

Vacuum-Dried and Intrinsic Photothermal Phenolic Carbon Aerogel from Coal Tar Rich in Polycyclic Aromatics for Efficient Solar Steam Generation

“…The result implies that pore structures have an important influence on water transportation. Additionally, the water state in the hydrated aerogels was distinguished by Raman spectra. , According to literature, ,, the peaks around 3233, 3401, 3514, and 3630 cm –1 in the Raman spectra (Figures c,d and S10) are related to water. They can be classified into two types of water: (1) water molecules with four hydrogen bonds (3233 and 3401 cm –1 ), that is, free water (FW); (2) weakly or non-hydrogen-bonded water molecules (3514 and 3630 cm –1 ), that is, IW.…”

“…Additionally, the water state in the hydrated aerogels was distinguished by Raman spectra. 3,52 According to literature, 6,24,53 the peaks around 3233, 3401, 3514, and 3630 cm −1 in the Raman spectra (Figures 8c,d cm −1 ), that is, free water (FW); (2) weakly or non-hydrogenbonded water molecules (3514 and 3630 cm −1 ), that is, IW. Generally, the more the IW has, the easier the evaporation will be.…”

Natural multi-osmolyte cocktails form deep eutectic systems of unprecedented complexity: discovery, affordances and perspectives

“…What is the role of water as a DES component? Could the “three states” postulated for hydrogels 153 be relevant in DES? And how does water regulate the interaction of the deep eutectic system with biomolecules?…”

Antifouling graphene oxide membranes for oil-water separation via hydrophobic chain engineering

“…This endows the amphiphilic membrane with the medium-length perfluoroalkyl chains (C 6 ) with the lowest contact area, thereby obtaining the lowest underwater oil adhesive force. Surface hydration has been proven to be associated with underwater oil-wetting behaviors 47 . More and more studies pointed out that the side groups or functional groups within the size range of the hydration layers (subnanometer to few nanometers) can control the hydration structure, hence affecting interfacial behavior and antifouling performances 24 , 48 .…”