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Hybrid Printing for the Fabrication of Smart Sensors
Published on: January 31, 2019
Time-encoded bio-fluorochromic supramolecular co-assembly for rewritable security printing
Zhao Gao1, Shuai Qiu1, Fei Yan1
1Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, MOE Key Laboratory of Material Physics and Chemistry Under Extraordinary Conditions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University Xi'an 710072 P. R. China happytw_3000@nwpu.edu.cn.
Researchers developed a novel rewritable security printing technology using a transient bio-fluorochromic supramolecular co-assembly. This enzyme-mediated system offers dynamic fluorescent properties for advanced paper-based information security.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Data leakage and indelibility are significant economic and social concerns for paper-based information.
- There is a continuous need for innovative fluorescence security technologies to address these issues.
- Enzyme-responsive materials offer unique possibilities for dynamic and responsive security features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel rewritable security printing system using transient bio-fluorochromic supramolecular co-assembly.
- To investigate the use of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for enzyme-mediated dynamic fluorescence.
- To demonstrate the potential of this system for advanced fluorescence security materials.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of a tetrabranched cationic diethynylanthracene monomer.
- Formation of a supramolecular co-assembly triggered by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a biofuel.
- Enzymatic hydrolysis of ATP by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to induce time-encoded fluorescence changes.
- Inkjet printing of the co-assembly system to create rewritable security patterns.
Main Results:
- A transient bio-fluorochromic supramolecular co-assembly was successfully mediated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
- The co-assembly exhibited time-encoded dynamic fluorescent properties upon sequential ATP hydrolysis and re-addition.
- Rewritable security patterns were achieved using inkjet printing, demonstrating the system's practical application.
Conclusions:
- The developed enzyme-mediated co-assembly system provides a novel approach for rewritable fluorescence security printing.
- This biomimetic system offers dynamic and time-encoded fluorescent features for enhanced data security.
- The technology shows significant potential for advanced, secure, and adaptable paper-based information protection.

