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Laccase-mediated polydopamine films: bio-inspired and sustainable coating route
Researchers optimise laccase-mediated dopamine polymerisation and achieve markedly improved PDA film formation under mild conditions. Low monomer concentrations at pH 5.5 suffice.
Polydopamine is widely used as a versatile adhesion and functional layer, typically formed via autoxidation at alkaline pH and relatively high monomer loadings. This work systematically studies laccase-assisted polymerisation, varying dopamine and enzyme concentrations, stirring speed and deposition time. Optimal conditions are 2.5 mM dopamine, 0.25 mg/ml laccase, pH 5.5 and 1,250 rpm.
Under these conditions, enzymatic deposition outperforms classical autoxidation at pH 8.5 by about five-fold and sodium periodate oxidation at pH 5.5 by about 1.6-fold in terms of film formation. LC-UV-MS, AFM, KPFM and ATR-FTIR provide chemical and morphological insights, complemented by water contact angle measurements. The results enable PDA coatings under resource-efficient conditions.
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Application potential
The combination of low monomer concentration and mild pH suits temperature-sensitive substrates and bio-based applications. The methodological optimisation supports transfer to industrial practice.
Source: Magalhães, F. F. et al., Laccase-mediated dopamine polymerization: a bioinspired and sustainable coating technology. Progress in Organic Coatings 207, 109399 (2025).
