Electrochemically Tunable Cell Adsorption on a Transparent and Adhesion-Switchable Superhydrophobic Polythiophene Film.

Abstract

A superhydrophobic polythiophene film (SSPTH) is prepared by double-layer electrodeposition on an indium tin oxide (ITO) glass electrode. This film shows not only electroresponsive superhydrophobic features, but also high transparency compared with the usual polythiophene film. The water-droplet adhesion on the SSPTH film can be switched between sliding and pinned states under the applied potential. More intresetingly, the change in water-droplet adhesion results in a change in cell adsorption on the SSPTH film. The low-adhesion (dedoped) SSPTH films can prevent Hela cell adhesion, whereas high-adhesion (doped) SSPTH films can promote Hela cell adsorption. This controllable cell adhesion on a SSPTH film may be developed as a smart biointerface material.