A platform for functionalization of cellulose, chitin/chitosan, alginate with polydopamine: A review on fundamentals and technical applications

Int J Biol Macromol. 2021 Feb 17:S0141-8130(21)00370-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.091. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTNature provides concepts and materials with interesting functionalities to be implemented in innovative and sustainable materials. In this review, it is illustrated how the combination of biological macromolecules, i.e. polydopamine and polysaccharides (cellulose, chitin/chitosan, alginate), enables to create functional materials with controlled properties. The mussel-adhesive properties rely on the secretion of proteins having 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine amino acid with catechol groups. Fundamental understanding on the biological functionality and interaction mechanisms of dopamine in the mussel foot plaque is presented in parallel with the development of synthetic analogues through extraction or chemical polymer synthesis. Subsequently, modification of cellulose, chitin or alginate and their nanoscale structures with polydopamine is discussed for various technical applications, including bio- and nanocomposites, films, filtration or medical membranes, adhesives, aerogels, or hydrogels. The presence of polydopamine stretches far beyond surface adhesive properties, as it can be used as an intermediate to provide additional performance of hydrophobicity, self-healing, antimicrobial, photocatalytic, sensoric, adsorption, biocompatibility, conductivity, coloring or mechanical reinforcement. The dopamine-based 'green' chemistry can be extended towards generali...
Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Source Type: research