Time-encoded bio-fluorochromic supramolecular co-assembly for rewritable security printing

Abstract

Innovative fluorescence security technologies for paper-based information are still highly pursued nowadays because data leakage and indelibility have become serious economic and social problems. Herein, we report a novel transient bio-fluorochromic supramolecular co-assembly mediated by a hydrolytic enzyme (ALP: alkaline phosphatase) towards rewritable security printing. A co-assembly based on the designed tetrabranched cationic diethynylanthracene monomer tends to be formed by adding adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the biofuel. The resulting co-assembly possesses a time-encoded bio-fluorochromic feature, upon successively hydrolyzing ATP with ALP and re-adding new batches of ATP. On this basis, the dynamic fluorescent properties of this time-encoded co-assembly system have been successfully enabled in rewritable security patterns via an inkjet printing technique, providing fascinating potential for fluorescence security materials with a biomimetic mode.