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Bio-Inspired Synthetic Melanin-Based Structural Colors and Thermally Responsive Nanocomposites

Echeverri, Mario
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8963-0794
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron163673623664978

Abstract Details

2021, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, Polymer Science.
Melanin is a ubiquitous biopolymer with multiple functions in nature, including photoprotection, ion chelation, adhesion, thermoregulation, and it is responsible for the beautiful coloration in bird feathers. Melanin’s two unique optical properties have been of great interest: (a) high refractive index (1.7 – 1.8) and (b) broadband absorption, primarily responsible for providing structural coloration, and thermoregulation in the animal kingdom. The rich variety of colors that we can find in birds has inspired us to generate approaches to replicate them in the lab. We use self-assembly techniques of nanoparticles to produce photonic crystals, where the interaction of electromagnetic wavelengths with these periodic nanostructures enables the generation of a wide spectrum of long-lasting colors. The idea to replace toxic metals or organic pigments have raised interest among scientists. However, considerable challenges remain to be solved, comprising the self-assemble of particles, mechanical stability of the arrangement and an easy production of a wide gamut of structural colors. Structurally coloration in nature is also strongly tied to temperature regulation in the animal kingdom; this work also explores the thermal consequences of having melanin by providing an understanding in the heat regulation field. We prepared synthetic melanin and used its adhesive properties to co-deposit silica (SiO2) particles via electrophoretic deposition, producing large and mechanically robust structurally colored coatings. Then, we adapted an alternative approach of creating structural colors via printing method using drop deposition, we generate a variety of colors using binary mixtures comprising silica nanoparticles and core-shell nanoparticles (melanin core and silica shell). A plasma modified surface allowed us to deposit this combination of materials, producing a self-assembled arrangement of particles that have many applications in the cosmetic and printing industry, as well as an anti-counterfeiting strategy to hide information. In addition, we produced synthetic nanocomposites, using melanin as a filler in a polymeric matrix to simplify natural systems that can help us to understand heat regulation in melanized organisms. These composites are photothermally responsive materials that have applications for localized heat management. The new avenues to produce mechanically robust and a wide gamut of structural colors, along with melanin nanocomposites, suggest a new generation of materials that can be utilized in long lasting-colored coatings, photonic inks, infrared communications, and applications in anticounterfeiting.
Ali Dhinojwala (Advisor)
Todd Blackledge (Committee Member)
Matthew Shawkey (Committee Member)
Hunter King (Committee Chair)
Tianbo Liu (Committee Member)
136 p.
Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Polymers
Structural colors; Nanocomposites; Melanin; Synthetic Melanin; Polydopamine; Self-assembly; Photothermal Behavior; Ink-jet Printing; Anticounterfeiting; Electrophoretic Deposition; Heat management.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Echeverri, M. (2021). Bio-Inspired Synthetic Melanin-Based Structural Colors and Thermally Responsive Nanocomposites [Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron163673623664978

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Echeverri, Mario. Bio-Inspired Synthetic Melanin-Based Structural Colors and Thermally Responsive Nanocomposites. 2021. University of Akron, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron163673623664978.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Echeverri, Mario. "Bio-Inspired Synthetic Melanin-Based Structural Colors and Thermally Responsive Nanocomposites." Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron163673623664978

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron163673623664978
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This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.