Universal Mussel-Inspired Ultrastable Surface-Anchoring Strategy via Adaptive Synergy of Catechol and Cations

An outstanding anchoring ligand with robust anchoring ability and universal applicability is highly desirable in materials science and surface engineering. This work reports a novel and universal mussel-inspired anchoring strategy based on a cationic amine-modified catechol ligand coupled with the 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine moiety. The ligand shows substrate-independent anchoring capability, and the deposited film possesses excellent antifouling properties and superior ultrasonic stability as compared to the conventional catechol ligand. Single-molecule force spectroscopy based on atomic force microscopy reveals that the enhanced ultrastable anchoring is attributed to the synergistic binding effect of cationic amine and catechol. Our results provide new nanomechanical insights into the development of novel coating strategies underwater based on amine-incorporated catechol derivatives for a wide range of materials engineering, bioengineering, and environmental applications.