Mussel-Inspired pH-Switched Assembly of Capsules with an Ultrathin and Robust Nanoshell

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b11445
• Publication Date: 2019-07-16T17:59:15Z
• Authors: Ziyi Cai; Jiafu Shi; Weiran Li; Yizhou Wu; Yishan Zhang; Shaohua Zhang; Zhongyi Jiang
• Keywords: Nanoshell; Template; Surface Modification

Enclosed films, also called capsules, bearing an ultrathin and robust nanoshell have sparked much interest for use in many applications, which facile preparation methods are urgently pursued. Inspired by the pH-programmed adhesion/cohesion of mussel-secreted foot proteins, polyphenol/polyamine capsules with fabricated through a pH-switched assembly on sacrificial calcium carbonate (CaCO3) templates. Polyphenols adhere to templates at pH 6.0 rapidly cohere polyamines 8.0. The process is accomplished only few minutes where multiple instances electrostatic interactions chemical conjugation between polyphenols occur. As result, exhibit thickness ∼10 nm superior mechanical strength ∼1.575 GPa (elasticity modulus). Cell mimics prepared encasing enzymes lumen present activity recovery ∼70% along little decline during reuse. Amine or phenolic groups then applied induce generation titania silver nanoparticles, may expand applications photo- biorelated realms. Our study not deepens understanding adhering mussels but offers generic method toward functional materials diverse applications.