Robust, antibacterial, and fluorescent hybrid films mimicking nacre

Abstract

The preparation of multifunctional nacre-like hybrid films is reported in this article. The copper ions (Cu²⁺) were introduced into the hybrid films assembled from fluorescent hyperbranched poly(amido amine) (HPAMAM) and clay nanosheets. The “brick and mortar” structure of the hybrid films was proved by the SEM observation and SAXD detection. Due to the strong interactions among the Cu²⁺ ions and the HPAMAM molecules, the obtained hybrid films showed enormously improved ultimate strength. At the same time, the elongation at break of the Cu²⁺ modified hybrid films was more than that of the pristine one too. Furthermore, the Cu²⁺ ions modified hybrid films showed excellent inhibition on the bacterial growth due to the good antibacterial property of the Cu²⁺. Under UV irradiation, the hybrid films modified with Cu²⁺ could also emit strong blue fluorescence. We wish this multifunctional nacre-like hybrid film could provide a promising material for biological applications.