Mussel-Inspired Polymers: From Molecular Mechanics to Healthcare Applications
발표자
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초록
내용
Phenols are important components of biological tissues, where they perform a variety of biological functions. However, the catechol functional group is rarely found in proteins, with the exception of marine adhesives. Several adhesive proteins of the mussel byssus contain high levels of the catecholic amino acid 3,4-dihydroxy-L-alanine (DOPA). DOPA is believed to contribute to both the interfacial and bulk mechanical performance of the tissue. Catechols participate in a remarkably broad range of chemical interactions that include noncovalent coordination interactions with metals/metal oxides, strong hydrogen bonds, cation-pi and pi-pi interactions, redox activity, and covalent coupling with nucleophilic organic species. In this talk I will describe our ongoing efforts focused on understanding the mechanochemical behavior of DOPA at solid-liquid interfaces, and show examples of mussel-inspired polymer adhesives, hydrogels and coatings for healthcare applications.