Preparation of insect-cuticle-like biomimetic materials.
A model system of tanning of a protein matrix within a fibrous structure, such as most commonly found in insect cuticle, was developed, using the cellulose of paper in place of chitin. The paper was impregnated with a tripeptide, DOPA-Gly-Gly, or a protein (BSA) plus catechol and treated with tyrosinase to oxidize the catechol. The resulting material was waterproof and had very high wet strength. If the material was wetted and dried repeatedly its water retention decreased by a factor of at least 2.
Miessner
M
M
Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie der Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Strasse 1, D-53115 Bonn, Germany.
Peter
M G
MG
Vincent
J F
JF
D000818:Animals; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002417:Cattle; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry*; D007313:Insecta / Q000378:metabolism*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000737:chemistry; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010209:Paper; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000737:chemistry*; D013718:Tensile Strength
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D009842:Oligopeptides; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D002482:Cellulose; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase