Multi-Level Wettability Patterned Porous Matrix for Advanced Optical Information Encryption

In the rapidly evolving landscape of information security, the demand for optical encryption techniques based on wettability patterning, which allows decryption without sophisticated devices and complex procedures, is progressively increasing. However, conventional approaches based on binary wettability patterned surfaces impose significant constraints in their practical use for high-level information security. Herein, a novel approach to optically encrypt information through multi-level wettability patterning is introduced on a porous polymer matrix synthesized from vinyl methacrylate (VMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). By employing the thiol-ene click reaction, precise patterning of functional groups is achieved that exhibit distinct wettability responses to aqueous solutions with varying surface tensions, as well as pH-responsive and fluorescent markers. This multi-level wettability system surpasses traditional binary hydrophilic/hydrophobic patterns by providing enhanced control over wettability states, resulting in higher-level encryption of information. The integration of pH and fluorescence responsivity further elevates the complexity and security of the encrypted information, making it decipherable only under specific and controlled conditions. The innovative approach offers a highly secure, robust, and customizable encryption method, redefining the potential of optical encryption technologies. A new strategy is presented in which multi-level wettability can be patterned on a porous polymer matrix to achieve advanced optical information encryption. The porous polymer matrix allows precise patterning of functional groups that exhibit distinct wettability responses to aqueous solutions with varying surface tensions. Also, the integration of pH- and fluorescence responsivity further elevates the complexity and security of the encrypted information, allowing the information to be only revealed under meticulously controlled conditions. image