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We developed a simple method for the fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces on various substrates using spray coating. The fabrication method started with the blending of a modified hydrophobic siloxane binder, silica nanoparticles, and a volatile solvent by sonication. The mixture was spray-coated on various surfaces such as slide glass, paper, metal and fabric, forming a rough surface comprising silica particles dispersed in a hydrophobic binder. Surface hydrophobicity was affected by the surface energy of the binder and the degree of roughness. Therefore, we realized a superhydrophobic surface by controlling these two factors. The hydrophobicity of the siloxane binder was determined by the treatment of fluorine silane; the roughness was controlled by the amount of coated materials and sonication time. Thus, using the spray coating method, we obtained a superhydrophobic surface that was mechanically durable, thermally stable, and chemically resistant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cellular distribution of silica nanoparticles (NPs) in the liver is not well understood. Targeting specific cells is one of the most important issues in NP-based drug delivery to improve delivery efficacy. In this context, the present study analyzed the relative cellular distribution pattern of silica NPs in the liver, and the effect of surface energy modification on NPs. Hydrophobic NP surface modification enhanced NP delivery to the liver and liver sinusoid fFendothelial cells (LSECs). Conversely, hydrophilic NP surface modification was commensurate with targeting hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) rather than other cell types. There was no notable difference in NP delivery to Kupffer cells or hepatocytes, regardless of hydrophilic or hydrophobic NP surface modification, suggesting that both the targeting of hepatocytes and evasion of phagocytosis by Kupffer cells are not associated with surface energy modification of silica NPs. This study provides useful information to target specific cell types using silica NPs, as well as to understand the relationship between NP surface energy and the NP distribution pattern in the liver, thereby helping to establish strategies for cell targeting using various NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]