INS2-0598
Probing Reversible Noncovalent Interactions for Multifunctional Soft Materials and Surfaces
Topic
S2. High-End Characterization/Polymer Physics/Properties
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
15:50 - 16:15
Room 103
Session Chairs
Eunji LEE
Presenter(s)
Hongbo Zeng (University of Alberta)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Intermolecular interactions and surface characteristics play a critical role in determining the physicochemical properties and functionalities of soft materials and biological systems. Considerable efforts have therefore been devoted to characterizing intermolecular and surface interactions, particularly reversible noncovalent interactions, in surfactants, polymers, biopolymers, and biointerfaces. In this talk, I will briefly introduce the fundamentals of intermolecular and surface forces, as well as commonly used nanomechanical techniques for quantifying these interactions. Recent progress from our group will then be presented, with a focus on the application of nanomechanical tools to probe polymer/biopolymer interfaces and biological systems, including the wet adhesion of marine mussels. Our studies have systematically elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying mussel adhesive interactions in aqueous environments, including biopolymer–metal ion coordination, cation–π, anion–π, hydrophobic, and hydrogen-bonding interactions. These fundamental insights have further guided the design and development of multifunctional soft materials, such as self-healing polymers, hydrogels, and wet adhesives, for bioengineering and related applications. Overall, this work provides useful insights into biological self-assembly and offers new strategies for developing multifunctional soft materials and surfaces through tunable reversible noncovalent interactions.
