Advanced Surface Micro/Nanopatterning: From Fundamentals to Multifunctional Soft Coatings

Surface micro- and nanopatterning has revolutionized the field of soft coating engineering, offering unprecedented control over interfacial properties and functional capabilities. By manipulating surface features on micro- and nanoscales, researchers have demonstrated targeted improvements in wetting, adhesion, friction, permeability, and biointeractions. The rapid progress in this domain is especially relevant to coatings based on polymers, hydrogels, elastomers, colloidal assemblies, and other compliant or stimuli-responsive materials—a class of materials integral to smart, self-healing, or sensing applications. Despite these advances, a comprehensive understanding of how specific surface patterns translate to functional enhancement remains incomplete, particularly in terms of scalable manufacturing, real-world operating stability, and emergent property integration. Recent studies have showcased bioinspired designs, nature-derived patterning, and new characterization methods, but bridging the gap between laboratory feasibility and robust, scalable solutions continues to be a pressing challenge.This Research Topic aims to advance fundamental understanding and practical deployment of surface micro/nanopatterning in soft coating systems. Specific objectives include elucidating structure–property relationships, uncovering the principles underlying pattern formation and response, and facilitating innovation in scalable and low-temperature fabrication methods. Key questions to be addressed include translating patterned architectures into measurable performance gains across a range of application settings, exploring adaptive, multifunctional surfaces, and integrating mechanical, chemical, and stimuli-responsive functionalities. Contributions employing experimental, theoretical, or computational approaches are encouraged, with an emphasis on investigations that enhance our ability to design, control, and utilize patterned soft interfaces in realistic conditions.Within the boundaries of soft and functional coatings, this Research Topic is focused on innovations in micro/nanopatterning strategies, their characterization, and the translation of these architectures into practical applications. Studies should explore patterns directly relevant to performance in coatings based on polymers, hydrogels, elastomers, colloidal particles and related soft materials. To gather further insights in this area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Micro/nanopatterning of polymeric, hydrogel, elastomeric, and colloidal coatingso Bioinspired and biomimetic soft surfaces and their applicationso Patterned coatings affecting wetting, adhesion, lubrication, and drag reductiono Development of antifouling, antimicrobial, and self-cleaning soft coatingso Surface topography influences on biological and materials interactionso Stimuli-responsive and adaptive behavior in patterned coatingso Functional patterned coatings for diagnostics, sensing, and wearable deviceso Micro/nanostructured coatings for controlled release and biomedical applicationso Optical, electronic, and energy-related properties in patterned soft interfaceso Scalable and innovative fabrication and characterization techniques for soft coatingso Multiscale modeling and in-situ monitoring of patterned surfaceso Analysis of mechanical durability and performance under practical conditions Topic editors: Vasileios Koutsos, Sitaraman Krishnan Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83145/advanced-surface-micronanopatterning-from-fundamentals-to-multifunctional-soft-coatings