Multifunctional Mussel-Inspired Hydrogels and Films Formed via Catechol-VO₂ Nanoparticle Coordination.

ABSTRACT: Marine mussels utilize DOPA-V metal coordination bonds as dynamic cross-links to fabricate tough and self-healing coatings and glues. Inspired by mussels, researchers have harnessed DOPA-metal coordination to create dynamic and mechanically responsive polymeric materials. Here, we harness the robust DOPA-V interactions observed in mussels combined with the temperature-responsive properties of vanadium dioxide (VO₂) to develop a room-temperature process to produce thermochromic VO₂ hydrogels and films. 4-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers functionalized with DOPA-catechol moieties were mixed with VO₂ nanoparticles in solution. Raising pH led to formation of hydrogels, while spin coating enabled processing into thin films. Hydrogels possessed mechanically

SUBMITTER: Rammal M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12631512 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature