Topological prime

This paper describes a general method, called topological prime, to stitch functional groups to a substrate of entropic polymer network. The precursor of a topological primer contains polymers, crosslinkers, and coupling agents. When the precursor is applied on the surface of the substrate, the crosslinkers link the primer polymers into a primer network, in topological entanglement with the substrate network, while the coupling agents link the primer network to the functional groups. The use of topological prime is demonstrated by priming a hydrophobic elastomer of an arbitrary shape for hydrophilic coating. We describe an approach that fulfills two fundamental requirements: wetting and adhesion. The coated elastomer maintains hydrophilicity and lubricity after stretch, scratch, swell, and slide. As a further demonstration, a hydrogel substrate is primed for hydrophobic coating. Topological prime opens an enormous space for applications in engineering and biomedicine.