It would be nice to have a car windows that would sheet water instantly, or clothes that would hardly ever get dirty. Though researchers at Oho State University probably didn't have those particular applications in mind, the new nano-fibers they've recently developed have the unique ability to interact with other forms of matter depending upon how the nano-fibers are made.

The patent-pending technology involves the use of different chemical to grow a bed of fibers of specific size and length. Arthur J. Epstein, a professor of physics and chemistry at Ohio University and the director of the university's Institute for magnetics and Electronic Polymers explains.

"One of the good things about working with these polymers is that you're able to structure them in many different ways," Epstein said. "Plus, we found that we can coat almost any surface with these fibers."   

By using different chemicals, the research team was able to grow these polymer fibers to a variety of different lengths and structures. They have also made this process of nano-fiber growth applicable to the surfaces of many different materials. Essentially, the bed of nano-fibers is transparent, and could be used to coat glass for car wind shields, or perhaps even for applications in computers where transparent components would be require, such as a heads up display for say a motorcycle helmet.

Through process and experimentation, they were able to build one type of nano-fiber that could attract water, and another type to repel it. Other nano-fibers can attract dirt, others repel, some attract oil, and some repel. There's even a type hat can conduct electricity.

But perhaps the most promising development thus far is the interaction these nano-fibers have with DNA. When the team placed droplets of water containing a few strands of DNA onto one of these nano-fiber plates, the strands would uncoil themselves and hung suspended from the nano-fibers like little tiny clothes lines. It could make a valuable tool in testing and determining how DNA and protein strands work and interact with other compounds.

"We're very excited about where this kind of development can take us," he added.

Finally, there was how they used these nano-fibers to coat the electrodes in OLED's. This may herald that eventuality of transparent displays for computers and other devices.

There's lots of other little possibilities to be discover in the years to come.