Hydrophilic Phase Research Articles

Micro-block poly(arylene ether sulfone)s with densely quaternized units for anion exchange membranes: Effects of benzyl N-methylpiperidinium and benzyl trimethyl ammonium cations

The piperidinium cation exhibited a substantial impact on the improvement of alkaline stability of anion exchange membranes (AEMs), yet the research regarding the micro-block polymer AEMs modified with it has not been conducted. Herein, we report two series of micro-block poly(arylene ether sulfone)s containing densely benzyl-N-methylpiperidinium (TTP-n-PIPPES) and benzyl-trimethyl-ammonium (TTP-n-QAPES) functionalized units for AMEs, respectively, where the n represents the molar ratio of monomer containing tri-tetraphenyl to the employed bisphenol monomers. The content and arrangement of the two types of cations in both polymer backbones were the same. The hydrophilic phases of TTP-n-PIPPES membranes exhibited isolated island states, wrapped with coherent hydrophobic phases. While the TTP-n-QAPES membranes formed continuous hydrophilic channels but fragmented hydrophobic phases. The discrepancy in the microscopic morphology of membranes and the intrinsic nature of cations thus rendered two types of AEMs with different advantages in macroscopic properties. The TTP-n-PIPPES membranes performed better dimensional stability and alkaline stability (low temperature). In contrast, the preferable capabilities of TTP-n-QAPES membranes were water affinity, hydroxide conductivity, and alkaline stability (high temperature). For instance, the TTP-18.2-PIPPES membrane was 11.7%, 11.4%, and 27.4% lower than the TTP-18.2-QAPES membrane at 80 °C in terms of dimensional change, water uptake, and hydroxide conductivity, respectively.

EtG Quantification in Hair and Different Reference Cut-Offs in Relation to Various Pathologies: A Scoping Review.

Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a non-volatile, non-oxidative, hydrophilic, and stable ethanol phase II metabolite. EtG is produced through ethanol glucuronidation by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), a phase II enzyme. EtG can be extracted from different biological matrices, including keratin ones, such as hair or nails. The purpose of this scoping review is to describe the relationship between EtG levels in hair and some of the most common and frequent pathological conditions and verify whether different reference cut-offs in relation to various pathologies have been identified in the scientific literature. In fact, in-depth knowledge of the influence of pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus, hepatic and renal dysfunction, on EtG production and its storage in keratin matrices would allow a more appropriate interpretation of obtained data and rule out false positives or false negatives. This scoping review is based on bibliographic research carried out on PubMed regarding the quantification of EtG in hair of subjects affected by different pathological conditions. According to the scientific literature, the main and most common pathologies that can affect the concentration of EtG in hair are liver and kidney diseases and diabetes. The EtG quantification analytical data should be interpreted carefully as they may have a great impact in both forensic and clinical contexts.

Ionophore based optical sensors using hydrophilic polymer matrix – Ratiometric, pH independent ion-selective optodes

Classical approach for cation selective optode sensing requires high lipophilicity of receptor matrix and optical transducer dye, its application is restricted to relatively narrow pH range. We propose an alternative approach to ion-selective optodes, benefiting from rather hydrophilic polymer - plasticized polycaprolacton. This results in presence of lipophlic (plasticizer) and hydrophilic (sample/polycaprolactone) domains within the nanoprobes proposed. In consequence, this approach allows benefiting from alternative optical transducer: Nile blue dye and its unique properties and in consequence to benefit from new optical transduction mechanism allowing ratiometric sensing with no restriction for the sample pH. The response mechanism involves ionophore and ion pair composed of cation-exchanger and Nile blue cation dissolved in the plasticizer phase. Analyte incorporation to the phase occurs on expense of dye cation release to the hydrophilic phase. Ultimately a red staining of plasticizer phase is observed due to incorporation of neutral dye molecules formed in course of spontaneous hydrolysis occurring in water phase. Thus herein proposed optodes offer observable emission change at two wavelengths (increase of intensity emission as well as decrease) allowing ratiometric sensing in a broad concentration range. Moreover, herein proposed approach is applicable both in acidic and alkaline media, also in the absence of buffer, thus it mitigates significant constrain of classical optodes. As model system potassium or calcium selective nanospheres were prepared.

Release Mechanisms of Amorphous Solid Dispersions: Role of Drug-Polymer Phase Separation and Morphology

Formulating poorly soluble molecules as amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) is an effective strategy to improve drug release. However, drug release rate and extent tend to rapidly diminish with increasing drug loading (DL). The poor release at high DLs has been postulated to be linked to the process of amorphous-amorphous phase separation (AAPS), although the exact connection between phase separation and release properties remains somewhat unclear. Herein, release profiles of ASDs formulated with ritonavir (RTV) and polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate (PVPVA) at different DLs were determined using surface normalized dissolution. Surface morphologies of partially dissolved ASD compacts were evaluated with confocal fluorescence microscopy, using Nile red and Alexa Fluor 488 as fluorescence markers to track the hydrophobic and hydrophilic phases respectively. ASD phase behavior during hydration and release of components were also visualized in real time using a newly developed in situ confocal fluorescence microscopy method. RTV-PVPVA ASDs showed complete and rapid drug release below 30% DL, partial drug release at 30% DL and no drug release above 30% DL. It was observed that formation of discrete drug-rich droplets at lower DLs led to rapid and congruent release of both drug and polymer, whereas formation of continuous drug-rich phase at the ASD matrix-solution interface was the cause of poor release above certain DLs. Thus, the domain size and interconnectivity of phase separated drug-rich domains appear to be critical factors impacting drug release from RTV-PVPVPA ASDs.

Expert Systems for Predicting the Bioavailability of Sun Filters in Cosmetic Products, Software vs. Expert Formulator: The Benzophenone-3 Case.

There are only a limited number of molecules in a cosmetic formulation, which can passively cross the stratum corneum and be absorbed into the skin layers. However, some actives should never cross the skin in large concentrations due to their potential for side effects, for example, sunscreens. Artificial intelligence is gaining an increasing role as a predictive tool, and in this regard, we selected the Formulating for Efficacy® Software to forecast the changes in bioavailability of selected topical cosmetic compounds. Using the Franz diffusion cell methodology, various oils were selected as those with low release capability, and these were compared to those suggested by the software in Benzophenone-3-containing formulations. The software was able to predict the lipophilic phases, which, if utilized in the emulsion, were stable and sometimes even more pleasant in appearance and consistency than the reference emulsions prepared by the formulator. To date, however, Formulating for Efficacy® Software still has limitations as far as predicting the hydrophilic phase, as well as not being able to choose the emulsifier or the preservative system.

Molecular dynamics insight into phase separation and transport in anion-exchange membranes: Effect of hydrophobicity of backbones

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are essential components in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), which can effectively convert chemical energy into electricity. Among the existing backbones of AEMs, poly(aryl piperidinium) (PAP), an emerging AEM backbone, vastly improved the power density of AEMFCs, far exceeding the other traditional backbones. Hence, a deep understanding of the correlation between the PAP backbone and the performance of the corresponding AEMs is vital for designing the next generation AEM. In this study, we select three typical AEM backbones and find that the hydrophobicity of the backbone plays a vital role in dominating the ion conductivity of the membrane. The molecular dynamics simulation analysis suggests that the hydrophobic PAP backbones form more connective ion channels. In addition, PAP backbones repulse water molecules and hydroxides. This causes water molecules and hydroxides to move into the hydrophilic phase more and remain for a shorter time around PAP backbones, which is conducive to the efficient transportation of hydroxides. With increasing temperature, hydrophobic and rigid PAP-BP shows lower hydroxide residence time and better swelling resistance, which is highly consistent with the experimental results and explains the excellent performance of PAP-BP in AEMFCs.

Self-assembled proton conduction networks consisting of SPEEK, NH2-POSS, and IL with enhanced proton conduction and decreased IL loss

To enhance the conductivity of sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK, SP) membrane and avoid the loss of ionic liquid (IL), using aminopropyloligosisiloxane (NH 2 -POSS) as molecular hybrid filler, a self-assembled medium temperature and non-humidified SP/IL/NH 2 -POSS hybrid membrane was prepared. NH 2 -POSS can be assembled into the hydrophilic domain ion phase of SPEEK. In which, –NH 2 of NH 2 -POSS and –SO 3 H of SPEEK formed acid-base pairs at the interface which were conducive to the construction of proton transport channel. In addition, NH 2 -POSS enriched IL in the hydrophilic domain, which retained IL while synergistically increased the conductivity. The results showed that the IL loss rate of SP/IL/NH 2 -POSS-2 membrane was 46.9 wt%, which was about 55.8% of SP/IL membrane; the conductivity of SP/IL/NH 2 -POSS-2 membrane at 200 °C without humidification was 5.51 mS·cm −1 , which was about 4 times that of SP/IL membrane. • Molecular-level network SP/IL/NH 2 -POSS proton exchange membrane was prepared. • -NH 2 and –SO 3 H constructed ordered proton transport channels via acid-base pairs. • IL is enriched on NH 2 -POSS and SPEEK interface through hydrogen bonding. • Acid-base pairs and IL-rich layer synergistically increase proton conductivity.

Intravitreal Application: Physicochemical Properties of Drugs Dissolved in Silicone Oils of Different Density in Comparison to the Porcine Vitreous Body.

Silicone oil endotamponades provide a reservoir for drugs in the eye. Following vitrectomy surgery to treat retinal detachments, extensive diabetic retinopathy or endophthalmitis, they can be used as long-term lipophilic depots. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of intravitreally applied drugs of different lipophilicity, namely vancomycin, ceftazidime and voriconazole. For this purpose, an in vitro model of the silicone-oil-filled eye compared to porcine vitreous bodies (PVBs) was used. In a glass container, either light or heavy silicone oil or PVB was set into equilibrium with an aqueous fluid. Vancomycin, voriconazole and ceftazidime were added in concentrations commonly applied in clinical practice. The time course of the concentration of the drugs was determined in the hydrophilic phase for up to 24 h. With silicone oil present, the concentrations of vancomycin, voriconazole and ceftazidime were elevated in the aqueous humor when compared to the vitreous body (p < 0.001 for all drugs). With increasing lipophilicity, higher concentrations of the drug dissolved in silicone oil after 24 h (52.7%, 49.1% and 34.3% for vancomycin, ceftazidime and voriconazole, respectively). While no difference between lighter- and heavier-than-water silicone oil was apparent for vancomycin and ceftazidime (p = 0.17 and p = 0.72), voriconazole dissolved significantly better in the heavier-than-water silicone oil (p = 0.002). A higher-than-expected percentage of the glycopeptide vancomycin dissolved in the porcine vitreous body, possibly due to protein binding. In conclusion, silicone oils influence the drug concentration and distribution of intravitreally applied drugs depending on their lipophilicity. The addition of F6H8 used to create heavy silicone oils attenuates these effects for lipophilic drugs. Knowledge of the distribution of these intravitreally applied drugs is crucial to ensure the desired anti-infectious effect.

Silk Fibroin Cryogel Building Adaptive Organohydrogels with Switching Mechanics and Viscoelasticity

In contrast to synthetic gels, their biological counterparts such as cells and tissues have synergistic biphasic components containing both hydrophilic and lyophilic phases, providing them some special abilities including adaptive biomechanics and freezing tolerance. Hydrogels containing both hydrophilic and lyophilic phases, referred to as organohydrogels (OHGs), are capable of mimicking the biological systems, and they might have great potential in various applications. Here, we present a facile strategy to obtain adaptive OHGs with tunable and programmable mechanics and viscoelasticity. We utilize a hydrophilic cryogel scaffold as the continuous phase of OHGs, while the pores of the scaffold act as the reaction loci for the formation of organogel microinclusions. Thus, we first prepared mechanically robust cryogels based on silk fibroin (SF) via cryogelation reactions at −18 °C. The cryogels with 94% porosity containing interconnected μm-sized pores were then immersed in an ethanolic solution of acrylic acid (AAc), n-octadecyl acrylate (C18A), N,N′-methylenebis(acrylamide), and a free-radical initiator. Polymerization reactions conducted within the pores of the cryogels lead to mechanically strong adaptive OHGs consisting of a SF scaffold containing semi-crystalline poly(AAc-co-C18A) organogel microinclusions. The mechanical strength of OHGs is much higher than that of their components due to the significant energy dissipation in the OHG networks. Depending on the amount of the crystallizable C18A monomer units, the melting temperature Tm and the degree of crystallinity of OHGs could be varied between 49 and 54 °C and 1.3 and13%, respectively. The crystallinity created in OHGs provided them switchable mechanics and viscoelasticity in response to a temperature change between below and above Tm. All OHGs exhibited shape-memory function with a shape-recovery ratio of more than 92%. The strategy developed here to obtain high-strength smart OHGs is suitable for a wide variety of combinations of hydrophilic scaffolds and organogels.

A novel IONP-decorated two-dimensional [Zn2+]:[Insulin] nanosheet with ordered array of surface channels and cellular uptake potential

The study presents the novel design and potential function of a two-dimensional nanosheet formed at the liquid-liquid interface between FeII,IIIoxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and [Zn2+]:[Insulin]. Under thermal stress, the supramolecular organization of [Zn2+]:[Insulin] shifted from hydrophilic phase to hydrophobic, which gradually dissolved with the IONP hydrophobic layer. As a consequence, insulin monomers assembled into two-dimensional nanosheets by intercalating Zn2+-bridges, whereas, the IONPs (18–20 nm) were oxidized from Fe3O4 to Fe2O3 crystals, and decomposed into ultra-small crystallites of 2–5 nm. These tiny crystallites were found adsorbed on the nanosheet surface, creating IONP-decorated insulin nanosheet. To our knowledge, the ability of insulin to form nanosheet-structure has never been reported earlier. Adding to its uniqueness, the IONP-insulin nanosheets formed ordered arrays of superimposed surface wrinkles, giving rise to geometrically arranged channels. These surface properties have been previously demonstrated with graphene, but the ability of proteins to exhibit such material properties has not been reported earlier. Thus, the study demonstrates an entirely new potential of proteins, in this case insulin, and is believed to be a new advancement in protein-based bio-nanomaterials. Further, cellular uptake of these nanosheets was observed when BHK-21 cells were cultured on its layer, thereby displaying cell-targeting potential.

The Novel Polymethacrylate Based Hydrophilic Stationary Phase for Ion Chromatography.

Ion chromatography is widely used as a useful and powerful tool for the analysis of anionic and cationic components found in waters and aqueous media. The performance and selectivity of ion chromatography are based on the stationary phase column packed material. In this study, it is aimed to develop new column material with quaternary ammonium functional group based on monodisperse polymeric particles for ion chromatography and to investigate their chromatographic performance. For the analysis of inorganic anions by ion chromatography, new stationary phases macroporous monodisperse particles based on 3-chloro-2-hydroxy propylmethacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate are obtained as column packing material. 3-chloro-2-hydroxy propylmethacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate are transformed to porous monodisperse particle form by using glycidyl methacrylate as the seed latex and ethyl benzene as the porogen solvent via micro-suspension polymerization technique. Then macroporous monodisperse particles surface is functionalized by triethylamine so strong anion exchange is obtained for ion chromatography packing material. A series of stationary phases prepared from polymer particles containing different amounts of porogen solvent were tested. The results show that column packing material is successful to separate inorganic anions mixture such as F-, Cl-, NO2-, Br-, NO3- by using the carbonate and bicarbonate solutions as mobile phases.

Studies on the retention behavior of quercetin, phenol, and caffeine as test substances on selected neutral and charged hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography stationary phases

AbstractThe influence of mobile phase composition and column temperature on the retention behavior of quercetin, phenol, and caffeine as test analytes was analyzed. The experiments were conducted in columns filled with the charged amine phase and the neutral amide phase. As mobile phases, the varying fractions of methanol or acetonitrile in water solutions were applied. The most likely retention mechanisms have been discussed. The results of investigations confirm the importance of a mixed adsorption‐partition retention mechanism in the hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography process, regardless of the mobile phase composition and type of stationary phase. Investigations have also shown that in the tested systems the retention mechanism is also strongly column temperature‐dependent. Additionally, the efficiency of the tested columns was determined and analyzed as a function of the linear flow velocity. The obtained literature known as van Deemter plots confirms generally higher column efficiencies in the systems with acetonitrile as an organic component of the mobile phase. However, in some cases, the application of methanol allows obtaining similar column efficiencies. Furthermore, the results show that both columns tested exhibit comparable efficiency in the most tested systems and provide very good efficiency preservation over the wide range of eluent velocities.

Nanoporous-Crystalline Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene)oxide Aerogels with Selectively Sulfonated Amorphous Phase for Fast VOC Sorption from Water.

This paper describes the preparation and characterization of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene)oxide (PPO) highly porous monolithic aerogels with a hydrophobic nanoporous–crystalline phase and a hydrophilic sulfonated amorphous phase. The sulfonated aerogels were obtained by the sulfonation of PPO physical gels, followed by the supercritical CO2 extraction of solvents. WAXD and FTIR analysis showed that the nanoporous–crystalline phase was preserved for a degree of sulfonation up to c.a. 35%, allowing a highly volatile organic compound (VOC) sorption capacity. The sulfonated PPO aerogels exhibited a high water sorption capacity, with a water uptake of up to 500 wt%, and faster VOC sorption kinetics from water with respect to unsulfonated aerogels.

Parts-Per-Million (Salen)Fe(III) Homogeneous Catalysts for the Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oils

This work describes the application of a library of iron(III)-salen catalysts in the production of biodiesel from vegetable oils. The conversion of neutral soybean oil is complete within two hours at 160–180 °C with low catalyst loading (0.10 mol%). A comparative screening reveals that the catalysts containing acetate as a fifth ligand are the most performing, and these have been conveniently used to convert acidic and waste cooking oils (WCO). WCOs were used as received without further purification to produce biodiesel in high yield (85–90%) under optimized conditions (2 h at 180 °C, catalyst loading 0.1 mol%, oil to alcohol molar ratio 1:20). The iron content in the lipophilic and hydrophilic phases of the crude mixture was investigated and the residual concentration in biodiesel was found to be in the order of 10–14 ppm, comparable to that contained in biodiesels from other sources.Graphical

Mesoscale hydrated morphology of perfluorosulfonic acid membranes

AbstractFuel cells are expected to play an important role in global carbon neutralization and future social development with high conversion efficiency and zero emissions. The core of the fuel cell is the proton exchange membrane (PEM). However, the unclear of the proton transport mechanism in PEMs limits the development of membranes with improved performance. Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes are currently the most widely used type of PEM, and exhibit varying proton transport capabilities with various chemical structures. In this study, the hydration morphology of several PFSA membranes was studied using dissipative particle dynamics. The result shows that under low water content the hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases separated and the water clusters are relatively isolated. The increased water content formed hydrophilic channels, while the increase in equivalent weight decreases the water cluster size and improves water dispersion. Aciplex 1128 shows great variation owing to the presence of a long sulfonic acid terminated side chain in water cluster size and dispersion compared with Nafion. The average diffusivity and mean square displacement results showed similar results. These results will promote the development of high performance PEM for fuel cells.

Characterization of a highly stable zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction chromatography stationary phase based on hybrid organic-inorganic particles.

We have characterized a sulfobetaine stationary phase based on 1.7 μm ethylene‐bridged hybrid organic–inorganic particles, which is intended for use in hydrophilic interaction chromatography. The efficiency of a column packed with this material was determined as a function of flow rate, demonstrating a minimum reduced plate height of 2.4. The batch‐to‐batch reproducibility was assessed using the separation of a mixture of acids, bases, and neutrals. We compared the retention and selectivity of the hybrid sulfobetaine stationary phase to that of several benchmark materials. The hybrid sulfobetaine material gave strong retention for polar neutrals and high selectivity for methyl groups, hydroxy groups, and configurational isomers. Large differences in cation and anion retention were observed among the columns. We characterized the acid and base stability of the hybrid sulfobetaine stationary phase, using accelerated tests at pH 1.3 and 11.0, both at 70°C. The results support a recommended pH range of 2–10. We also investigated the performance of columns packed with this material for metal‐sensitive analytes, comparing conventional stainless steel column hardware to hardware that incorporates hybrid surface technology to mitigate interactions with metal surfaces. Compared to the conventional columns, the hybrid surface technology columns showed a greatly improved peak shape.

Thioether-based ROS responsive polymers for biomedical applications.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in several biological functions of living organisms such as regulation of cell signalling, production of some hormones, modulation of protein function or mediation of inflammation. In this regard, ROS responsive polymers are ideal candidates for the development of stimuli-responsive biomaterials for target therapies. Among different ROS-responsive polymers, those containing thioether groups are widely investigated in the biomedical field due to their hydrophobic to hydrophilic phase transition under oxidative conditions. This feature makes them able to self-assemble in aqueous solutions forming micellar-type nanoparticles or hydrogels to be mainly used as drug carriers for local therapies in damaged body areas characterized by high ROS production. This review article collects the main findings about the synthesis of thioether-based ROS responsive polymers and polypeptides, their self-assembly properties and ROS responsive behaviour for use as injectable nanoparticles or hydrogels. Afterward, the foremost applications of the thioether-based ROS responsive nanoparticles and hydrogels in the biomedical field, where cancer therapies are a key objective, will be discussed.

Structure and pseudo-ternary phase diagram of water/Triton X-100/1-pentanol/cyclohexane microemulsion

To gain insight into the structure and properties of microemulsions, pseudo-ternary phase diagrams of water/Triton X-100/1-pentanol/cyclohexane microemulsions which were constructed by using cyclohexane as oil, Triton X-100 as surfactant, 1-pentanol as cosurfactant and water as the hydrophilic phase were determined at different temperatures through measuring electrical conductivity. Maximum water solubilization was determined by optimizing the mass ratio of surfactant to cosurfactant (K = 0.75). SAXS, NMR, ATR-FTIR, DSC and rheometer were applied to analyze the structure and other properties of microemulsions. The phase transitions of microemulsion system were discussed at the dilute water line and the nanostructure sizes of the microemulsions were determined. In addition, the type of water in W/O microemulsion was specifically analyzed.

Improving the Durability and Performance of Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether)s by Introducing 9,10-Dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide Structure for Fuel Cell Application.

Polymer electrolyte membranes in which the hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains phase separate exhibit improved properties and stability. Such a phase separation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains can be achieved by polymerizing a 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide-bisphenol A (DOPO-BPA) and 1,4-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl)benzene (1,4-FBB) monomer. In this work, sulfonated polymer membranes with various degrees of sulfonation (DS) were prepared and their physicochemical and electrochemical properties were studied. In addition, the effect of molecular structure on the durability of the copolymers was investigated. The sulfonated copolymers were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Then, sulfonated membranes were prepared using these copolymers by the solvent casting method, and their morphologies were investigated by atomic force microscopy. The effect of DS on the thermal, mechanical, and oxidative stabilities, water uptake behavior, and ion-exchange capacity of the membranes was determined. The results showed that compared with the commercially available Nafion 212 polymer electrolyte membrane, the electrolyte membrane based on DOPO-BPA and 1,4-FBB exhibited a lower water uptake and excellent dimensional stability despite having a relatively high ion-exchange capacity. The low water uptake is an important characteristic that ensures the stability of the polymer electrolyte membrane in fuel cell applications.

Wetting of surfaces decorated by gas-phase synthesized silver nanoparticles: Effects of Ag adatoms, nanoparticle aging, and surface mobility.

The wetting state of surfaces can be rendered to a highly hydrophobic state by the deposition of hydrophilic gas phase synthesized Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The aging of Ag NPs leads to an increase in their size, which is also associated with the presence of Ag adatoms on the surface between the NPs that have a strong effect on the wetting processes. Furthermore, surface airborne hydrocarbons were removed by UV-ozone treatment, providing deeper insight into the apparent mobility of the NPs on different surfaces and their subsequent ripening and aging. In addition, the UV-ozone treatment revealed the presence of adatoms during the magnetron sputtering process. This surface treatment lowers the initial contact angle of the substrates and facilitates the mobility of Ag NPs and adatoms on the surface of substrates. Adatoms co-deposited on clean high surface energy substrates will nucleate on Ag NPs that will remain closely spherical and preserve the pinning effect due to the water nanomeniscus. If the adatoms are co-deposited on a UV-ozone cleaned low surface energy substrate, their mobility is restricted, and they will nucleate in two-dimensional islands and/or nanoclusters on the surface instead of connecting to existing Ag NPs. This growth results in a rough surface without overhangs, where the wetting state is reversed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. Finally, different material surfaces of transmission electron microscopy grids revealed strong differences in the sticking coefficient for the Ag NPs, suggesting another factor that can strongly affect their wetting properties.