Abstract
The unusual amino acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine with a catechol side chain is believed to impart both adhesive and cohesive characteristics of mussel adhesive proteins. Inspired by the pH-tunable coordination between catechol moiety and Fe3+, responsible for the high extensibility and self-healing properties of the cuticle of mussel byssal threads, we report the synthesis of a dopamine modified Pluronic F68 block copolymer (PluF68-Dopa) with high coupling efficiency and utilization of catechol-Fe3+interactions to yield cross-linking hydrogels with enhanced mechanical strength and self-healing properties. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was used to identify PluF68-Dopa-Fe3+complex species via pH control in dilution solution. At lower pH, concentrated PluF68-Dopa-Fe3+mixture remained a fluid, whereas at higher pH an elastomeric gel immediately formed. PluF68-Dopa-Fe3+cross-linked hydrogels are not only pH-responsive but also possess self-healing properties due to the reversible bond interactions between catechol moiety and Fe3+. These new biomimetic materials are expected to have potential biomedical and engineering applications.
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