Stabilization of melanin-based supraparticles using polymeric glue
AssigneeThe University of Akron
InventorsAli Dhinojwala, Nathan Gianneschi, Ming Xiao, Ziying Hu
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Abstract
In various embodiments, the present invention is directed to a supraparticle for use in producing structural colors comprising a plurality of core/shell nanoparticles having a melanin or synthetic melanin core and a silica shell having a plurality of silanol groups on its outer surface and a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) crosslinker. In various embodiments, the structure of these crosslinked supra particles is reinforced by hydrogen bonds formed between the silanol groups on the core-shell nanoparticles and mechanical, solution phase, and dry state stability.
Claims23
A supraparticle for use in producing structural colors comprising:
- a plurality of core/shell nanoparticles having a melanin or synthetic melanin core and a silica shell, said silica shell having an outer surface comprising a plurality of silanol groups;
- and
- a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) crosslinker;
- wherein said core/shell nanoparticles are assembled to form a supraparticle having a structure and wherein the mechanical, solution phase, and dry state stability of said structure is reinforced by hydrogen bonds formed between the silanol groups of said plurality of core/shell nanoparticles and said poly(ethylene glycol) crosslinker.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.