title: Adsorption mechanism and valency of catechol-functionalized hyperbranched polyglycerols.
abstract: Nature often serves as a model system for developing new adhesives. In aqueous environments, mussel-inspired adhesives are promising candidates. Understanding the mechanism of the extraordinarily strong adhesive bonds of the catechol group will likely aid in the development of adhesives. With this aim, we study the adhesion of catechol-based adhesives to metal oxides on the molecular level using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The comparison of single catechols (dopamine) with multiple catechols on hyperbranched polyglycerols (hPG) at various pH and dwell times allowed us to further increase our understanding. In particular, we were able to elucidate how to achieve strong bonds of different valency. It was concluded that hyperbranched polyglycerols with added catechol end groups are promising candidates for durable surface coatings.
authors.affiliation: Physik Department and IMETUM, Technische Universität München, 85748 Garching, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Krysiak
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Qiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.affiliation: Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (FhG IFAM), 28359 Bremen, Germany.
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rischka
authors.affiliation: Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (FhG IFAM), 28359 Bremen, Germany.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hartwig
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Haag
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 23a, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Thorsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hugel
keywords: adhesion; atomic force microscopy; catechol; hyperbranched polyglycerols; valency