In mussels, the adhesive proteins that are instrumental in attachment to wet surfaces are known to contain high levels of 3,4-dihydroxy-L-alanine (DOPA). A number of coatings for controlling surface chemical properties have been inspired by these proteins. Deposition is facile from an aqueous catecholamine solution onto a variety of solid, porous and nanoparticulate metals, ceramics and polymers. The deposited polyphenol films serve as versatile ‘primers’ facilitating secondary modifications of the primer coating such as metallization and covalent grafting of biomolecules and synthetic polymers.  These coatings can be exploited for a variety of practical applications, including antibacterial, antioxidant and fouling resistant coatings on medical devices, metal deposition, plasmonic tuning and surface functionalization of nanoparticles. However, the molecular features of these polymers are not well understood, and their mechanical properties are weak. In this talk we will describe single molecule force spectroscopy measurements that are providing new insight into the structure and interfacial behavior of these molecules. The findings may lead to new approaches to improving mechanical properties.<br/>

Molecular mechanical characterization of bioinspired catecholamine polymers at interfaces

2019 Spring National Meeting

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