Modified Breath Figure Methods for the Pore-Selective Functionalization of Honeycomb-Patterned Porous Polymer Films

Recent developments in the field of the breath figure (BF) method have led to renewed interest from researchers in the pore-selective functionalization of honeycomb-patterned (HCP) films. The pore-selective functionalization of the HCP film gives unique properties to the film which can be used for specific applications such as protein recognition, catalysis, selective cell culturing, and drug delivery. There are several comprehensive reviews available for the pore-selective functionalization by the self-assembly process. However, considerable progress in preparation technologies and incorporation of new materials inside the pore surface for exact applications have emerged, thus warranting a review. In this review, we have focused on the pore-selective functionalization of the HCP films by the modified BF method, in which the self-assembly process is accompanied by an interfacial reaction. We review the importance of pore-selective functionalization, its applications, present limitations, and future perspectives.

Automated summary

Recent developments in the breath figure (BF) method have renewed interest in the pore-selective functionalization of honeycomb-patterned (HCP) films. The selective functionalization of the HCP film with pores gives unique properties for specific applications such as protein recognition, catalysis, cell culturing, and drug delivery. This review focuses on the modified BF method for pore-selective functionalization of HCP films, examining its importance, applications, limitations, and future perspectives.