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Coupling Self-Assembly Mechanisms to Fabricate Molecularly and Electrically Responsive Films
Jinyang Li1,2, Drishti Maniar1,2, Xue Qu3
1Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States.
Biomacromolecules
|January 9, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed dynamic biofunctional multilayer films using self-assembling biomacromolecules. These films can be triggered to disassemble using molecular or electrical signals, offering responsive material properties.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Bioelectrochemistry
Background:
- Biomacromolecules self-assemble via weak interactions, enabling responsiveness to environmental cues and dynamic properties.
- Developing controllable self-assembling systems is crucial for advanced functional materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer biofunctional multilayer films with controllable disassembly.
- To demonstrate disassembly triggered by both molecular and electrical signals.
Main Methods:
- Electrodeposition of chitosan and layer-by-layer assembly with Concanavalin A (ConA) and glycogen.
- Incorporation of enzymatic glycoproteins for biofunctionality.
- Triggering disassembly via pH-induced dissociation of ConA tetramers.
Main Results:
- Successfully created multilayer films with self-assembling components.
- Demonstrated disassembly triggered by glucose oxidase (molecular cue) via acidification.
- Showcased disassembly triggered by anodic reactions (electrical cue) via acidification.
Conclusions:
- The developed multilayer films offer a platform for dynamic, biofunctional materials.
- Disassembly can be controllably induced by external molecular or electrical stimuli.
- This work presents a novel approach for responsive biomaterial design.
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