pH-Induced Cross-Linking of Dopamine-Containing Block Copolymers with Fe³⁺ to Form Self-Healing Hydrogels

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.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 569)
• Pages: 11-14
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.569.11
• Online since: September 2012
• Authors: Kui Huang, Yu Niu, Long Jiang Wang, Yang Liu, Jin San Chen, Ren Zhang Wang
• Keywords: Cross-Linking, Dopamine, Hydrogel, pH-Induced, Pluronic F68, Self-Healing

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