Shear-responsive colloidal coatings using biomembrane-derived interfaces
Abstract
We aim to control the timescales of self-assembly and emergent phenomena governing colloidal thin films by functionalizing their nanometer to micrometer-sized constituent particles with biomolecules derived from the glycocalyx. The glycocalyx is a dense network of membrane-bound proteins and sugars that coats the mammalian cell plasma membrane. The building blocks of the glycocalyx have evolved to act as molecular ‘detectors’ facilitating communication between neighboring cells in a noisy environment and impact downstream physiological processes. Inspired by nature, we will leverage the understanding of interparticle bonding within this biological matrix to design smart materials functionalized with glycocalyx derivatives or synthetic analogues that can access a variety of microstructures and their emergent mechanooptical properties. Unlike conventional methods to chemically tune colloidal surfaces, we will modulate the composition and density of the glycocalyx-mimetic colloidal surfaces, allowing a large design space to control the kinetics and dynamical response of colloids to fluid flows and other external forces. Specifically, we will use bottom-up reconstitution to engineer shear-responsive colloidal coatings that will report, as an optical readout, the shear stress experienced by the applied material surface. Our long-term goal is to engineer thin-film colloidal coatings with superior optical and mechanical properties that will enhance the overall performance of material surfaces used in academia, government, and defense applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502110287
Entities
People
- Sho Takatori
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of California, Santa Barbara