Mechanics of Adhesion at Curvature-Resisting Interfaces for Soft Solid-Bilayer Hybrids

Tissue-like synthetic materials with emerging properties can be designed by assembling cell-like compartments separated by biomimetic membranes using the droplet interface bilayer (DIB) approach. DIBs mimic the structure, composition, and transport properties of cell membranes. Quantifying and improving the adhesive properties of DIBs remains a crucial but missing step toward fully harnessing their potential in functional, tissue-like material designs. Here, we aim to quantify the separation behavior of two soft compartments enclosed by curvature-resisting surfaces by developing a size-dependent, isogeometric finite element framework. The bilayer interface formed between the individual compartments will serve as an imperfect interface that can fail under loading. The load-displacement curves of the separation of DIBs will be reported for varying droplet size, interface contact areas, and bi- and mono-layer interface tensions to elucidate its complex adhesion mechanics. The numerical results, in conjunction with the experiments, will allow us to characterize the adhesive energy and toughness of the bilayers, in turn aiding the use of DIBs in multifunctional material designs.