Hierarchical chitinous matrices byssus-inspired with mechanical properties tunable by Fe(III) and oxidation

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers 2021-01, Vol.251, p.116984-116984, Article 116984
• Main Authors: Montroni, Devis, Palanca, Marco, Morellato, Kavin, Fermani, Simona, Cristofolini, Luca, Falini, Giuseppe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioinspired; Catechols; Chitin; Hierarchical structures; Metal ions
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116984

[Display omitted] •A natural β-chitin matrix was functionalized with catechols, a functional group of the byssus.•The functionalized β-chitin matrices preserved their native hierarchical structural organization.•Their Young modulus increased reversibly in the presence of iron (III), as in the byssus.•The functionalized β-chitin matrices increased their Young’s modulus and max stress upon oxidation. In this study the multi-scale hierarchical structure of the β-chitin matrix from squid pen of Loligo vulgaris was used as substrate to synthesize new bio-inspired materials. Aiming to mimic the byssus peculiar mechanical properties, we chemically functionalized the β-chitin matrix with catechols, one of the main functional groups of the byssus. The obtained matrix preserved its multi-scale structural organization and was able to chelate reversibly Fe(III). Thus, it behaved as the byssus, acting as a metal cross-linkable matrix that upon metalation increased its Young‘s modulus, E (>10 times). The functionalized matrix was also cross-linked by oxidation provoking an increase of the E (>10 times) and first failure stress (>5 times). The oxidation of the functionalized matrix followed by metalation slightly increased the material mechanical properties. In conclusion, we added specific bio-functionalities in a natural matrix tuning its mechanical properties without altering its multi-scale organization.