Scorpion-inspired transparent, antibacterial, UV shielding, and self-healing fluorescence polymer materials

Abstract

As ancient Earth creatures, scorpions have adapted well to various complex living environments after hundreds of millions of years of biological evolution. Their exoskeleton (cuticle) emits blue-green bioluminescence under UV radiation. This paper studies the synthesis and properties of poly(butyl acrylate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) (PBN-MDE) film doped with the scorpion's fluorescent molecule macrocyclic diphthalate ester (MDE). The MDE fluorescent molecules can form dynamic hydrogen bonds with the PBN polymer chain, greatly enhancing its mechanical properties, with specific ductility and toughness nearly ten times before doping. In addition, the PBN-MDE film not only has excellent visible light transmittance and can display obvious fluorescence under UV light (365 nm), but also exhibits preeminent UV shielding efficiency (<400 nm) and good bacteriostatic activity for Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria. These special functions of the PBN-MDE film can effectively extend its service life and are expected to achieve UV-resistant coatings with functions such as information protection, adaptive camouflage, or information transmission.