Catecholic Polymers for Surface-modification and Color Materials

Abstract

Universal techniques for material surface modification are required, since material surfaces have a strong influence on their properties, e.g., adhesion, electrical properties, and biocompatibilities. Recently, catecholic polymers that are inspired from nature have been of interest in many fields, because of their adhesion property onto various types of materials. In this review, we focus on catecholic polymers, i.e., polydopamine, urushi, and plant polyphenol-based films, which have emerged as new methods for universal surface-modification. We also describe the preparation of polydopamine particles and their use as a structural color material. We hope that these novel methods based on catecholic polymers for the fabrication of functional surfaces and materials will contribute to the progress of many processes.