Polymer Coatings Make Light-Responsive Films Stable in Water

Mari Isomäki and colleagues from Tampere University have found that thin polymer coatings can protect light-responsive azobenzene films in water, making them suitable for biomedical applications.

The films, which change surface patterns when illuminated, usually degrade or blister in aqueous environments. Coatings of PDMS and parylene C preserved their functionality, with parylene C performing best, preventing damage and enhancing cell compatibility.

These results suggest polymer coatings can enable long-term use of dynamic, photoresponsive materials in wet and biological settings.

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