DOPA-melanin formation in high ionic strength solutions

摘要

Methods of synthesizing a DOPA-melanin (DM) polymer are disclosed, as well as compositions comprising the DM polymer and uses thereof. The method comprises contacting a reactant such as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) with a high concentration aqueous salt solution under oxidative conditions. The resulting DM polymer may form as insoluble particles or as a coating on a substrate surface. Exemplary uses for the DM polymers include removing heavy metal ions from contaminated solutions or capturing and delivering cationic drugs such as gentamicin.

主权项

1. A method of synthesizing a DOPA-melanin (DM) polymer, the method comprising contacting a reactant having the following formula with a high concentration aqueous salt solution under oxidative conditions: wherein each of R1, R3, R4, and R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of a C1-3 alkyl, a primary amine, a secondary amine, a halide, a hydrogen, a hydroxyl, a carboxylic acid, an aldehyde, a carboxylic ester and a carboxamide; wherein at least one of R1, R3, R4, and R5 is a primary or secondary amine; wherein x ranges from 0 to 3 and wherein y ranges from 0 to 3, provided that x or y is at least 1; and wherein R2 is a carboxylic acid; whereby the DOPA-melanin (DM) polymer is formed.