Catechol-containing biomaterials and related synthetic analogs are of interest for a broad range of applications, owing to a unique set of redox, adhesive, and molecular recognition properties.  Our group has been interested in the potential of eumelanin, a catechol-containing biomaterial and the black-to-brown pigment in humans, for water purification applications.  In the course of studying synthetic eumelanin analogs as lead-binding agents, we serendipitously found that coatings derived from the oxidative polymerizations of simple catechols such as 1,2-dihydroxybenzene and 4-methyl-catechol change color upon binding lead and other metal ions.  This talk will describe structural, mechanistic, and colorimetric studies toward the goal of developing these catechol coatings as colorimetric sensors for heavy metal ions.

Catechol-based coatings inspired by melanin as colorimetric metal-ion sensors

248th National Meeting (2014)

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