Layer-by-layer-deposition-based Self-propelling Microtubes

초록

Self-propulsion of synthetic microtubes, inspired by the biological systems, have been attracted by many research groups due to various applications ranging from drug delivery and medical therapeutics to environmental remedy and chemical/biological sensors. In this work, the biocompatible self-propelling microtubes based on the layer-by-layer process were synthesized and their characteristics were investigated. The catalase layer was deposited at the end of layer-by-layer process. Catalase is an enzyme and can be used as a catalyst to decompose the hydrogen peroxide and produce the oxygen bubbles, which efficiently provides the microtubes with self-propulsion. In this work, a lot of oxygen bubbles were produced in the solution of very low concentration of hydrogen peroxide, and as a result, the microtubes containing the catalase layer exhibited the motion with very high speed. Our strategy will provide self-propelling systems with various functions by considering the versatility of layer-by-layer process.

키워드