Issue 41, 2019

Mechanochemical engineering of 2D materials for multiscale biointerfaces

Abstract

Atomically thin nanomaterials represent a unique paradigm for interfacing with biological systems due to their mechanical flexibility, exceptional interfacial area, and ease of chemical functionalization. In particular, these two-dimensional (2D) materials are able to bend, curve, and fold in response to biologically-generated forces or other external stimuli. Such origami-like folding of 2D materials into wrinkled or crumpled topographies allows them to withstand large deformations by accordion-like unfolding, with implications for stretchable and shape-changing devices. Here, we review how mechanically manipulated 2D materials can interact with biological systems across a multitude of length scales. We focus on recent work where wrinkling, crumpling, or bending of 2D materials permits new chemical and material properties, with four case studies: (i) programming biomolecular reactivity and enhanced sensing, (ii) directed adhesion and encapsulation of bacteria or mammalian cells, (iii) stimuli-responsive actuators and soft robotics, and (iv) stretchable barrier technologies and wearable human-scale sensors. Finally, we consider future directions for manufacturing, materials and systems integration, as well as biocompatibility. Taken together, these 2D materials may enable new avenues for ultrasensitive molecular detection, biomaterial scaffolds, soft machines, and wearable technologies.

Graphical abstract: Mechanochemical engineering of 2D materials for multiscale biointerfaces

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
18 Maijs 2019
Accepted
02 Jūl. 2019
First published
03 Jūl. 2019

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 6293-6309

Mechanochemical engineering of 2D materials for multiscale biointerfaces

C. E. Machnicki, F. Fu, L. Jing, P. Chen and I. Y. Wong, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019, 7, 6293 DOI: 10.1039/C9TB01006H

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements