Hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity: Key aspects for biomedical and technological purposes.

In this review we discuss the role of hydrophilic/hydrophobic interplay in several processes involving water–surface interactions. For this purpose, we describe the self-organization architecture of biomacromolecules, the design of artificial biocompatible nano-devices able to deliver poorly water-soluble drugs, and the engineering of packaging materials capable to preserve food from water, dust, and microorganisms contamination. Material properties together with mutual-cooperative interactions play a crucial role to match the complexity of biological environments and desired functional products. Therefore, the comprehension and description of hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions at molecular level represent the main steps towards the development of new biosystems with improved functionality. [Display omitted] • H 2 O polymorphic properties tune its interaction with molecular/macroscopic surfaces. • WMI pilot surface functionalization and self-organization of biomolecules. • WMI are crucial in improving drug delivery systems and food packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]