cff-version: 1.2.0
abstract: "<p>We introduce Microgel-based Etalon Membranes (MEM), based on the combination of stimuli-responsive microgels</p><p>with an etalon, which is an optical device consisting of two reflecting plates and is used to filter specific wavelengths</p><p>of light. The microgels are sandwiched between two reflective layers and, in response to a stimulus (e.g., temperature,</p><p>pH, or biomarker concentration) swell or de-swell, thereby changing the distance between the two reflective layers, and</p><p>generating multiple peaks in the reflectance spectra. This property gives a MEM the unique capability of simultaneous</p><p>separation and tunable responses to the environmental changes and/or biomarker concentrations. We propose a design</p><p>based on gold layers on a silicon nitride wafer membrane. Our comprehensive characterization, employing perme-</p><p>ability experiments, in-situ optical reflectance spectroscopy, in-liquid AFM analysis, and captive bubble contact angle</p><p>measurements, elucidates the dynamic response of MEM to pH, temperature, and glucose stimuli and the correspond-</p><p>ing effect of microgel swelling/de-swelling on the membrane properties, e.g., permeability. The AFM results confirm</p><p>the dynamic changes of the microgel layer’s thickness on the membrane surface in response to the stimuli. Although</p><p>the microgel’s swelling/deswelling influences the effective pore radius, the decrease in the membrane’s permeance is</p><p>limited to less than 10%. In the swollen state of the microgels, the etalon membranes show a prominent hydrophilic</p><p>behavior, while they become less hydrophilic in the microgels’ de-swollen state</p>"
authors:
  - family-names: Kontaxi
    given-names: Georgia
    orcid: "https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3248-5829"
  - family-names: Wensink
    given-names: Gijs
  - family-names: Sberna
    given-names: Paolo
  - family-names: Rücker
    given-names: Maja
  - family-names: Garbin
    given-names: Valeria
  - family-names: Serpe
    given-names: Michael
    orcid: "https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0161-1087"
  - family-names: Bazyar
    given-names: Hanieh
    orcid: "https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1689-9826"
title: "Data underlying the publication: Microgel-based etalon membranes: characterization and properties"
keywords:
version: 1
identifiers:
  - type: doi
    value: 10.4121/b0a3b4bd-1764-4b2b-9db1-edd2945edb41.v1
license: ODbL-1.0
date-released: 2025-08-11