Metal-phenolic networks as a versatile platform to engineer nanomaterials and biointerfaces

• Published in: Nano today 2017-02, Vol.12, p.136-148
• Main Authors: Ejima, Hirotaka, Richardson, Joseph J., Caruso, Frank
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Metal-phenolic networks (MPNs); Organic-inorganic hybrid materials; Polyphenols; Self-assembly; Surface functionalization
• ISSN: 1748-0132; 1878-044X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2016.12.012

[Display omitted] •We review metal-phenolic networks (MPNs), a versatile class of surface coatings and nanostructured functional materials.•Diverse substrates can be coated owing to the universal adherent properties of phenolic moieties.•Coordinated metal ions can be used for cross-linking the films and for engineering additional functionality.•Applications including sensing, imaging, drug delivery, live-cell protection, and catalysis are highlighted. Surface modification is crucial for conferring novel functionalities to objects and interfaces. However, simple yet versatile strategies for the surface modification of multiple classes of nanomaterials, including biointerfaces, are rare, as the chemical interactions between the surface modifiers and the substrates need to be tailored on a case-by-case basis. Recently, metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) have emerged as a versatile surface modifier based on the universal adherent properties of phenolic molecules, namely the constituent gallol and catechol groups. Additionally, the dynamic interactions between metal ions and phenolic molecules confer additional functionalities to the MPNs, such as stimuli-responsiveness. Given the interest in MPNs for nanomaterial and biointerface engineering, this review aims to provide an overview of the assembly process, physicochemical properties and applications of MPN coatings.