Long-distance wireless actuation indicates precise remote control over materials, sensors, and devices that are widely utilized in biomedical, defence, disaster relief, deep ocean, and outer space applications to replace human work. Unlike radio frequency (RF) control, which has low tolerance toward electromagnetic interference (EMI), light control represents a promising method to overcome EMI. Nonetheless, long-distance lightcontrolled wireless actuation able to compete with RF control has not been achieved until now due to the lack of highly light-sensitive actuator designs. Here, it is demonstrate that amyloid-like protein aggregates can organize photomodule single-layer reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into a well-defined multilayer stack to display long-distance photoactuation. The amyloid-like proteinaceous component docks the rGO layers together to form a hybrid film, which can reliably adhere onto various material surfaces with robust interfacial adhesion. The sensitive photothermal effect and a fast bending in 1 s to switch a circuit are achieved after forming the film on a plastic substrate and irradiating the bilayer film with a blue laser from 100 m away. A photoactuation distance of 50 km can be further extrapolated based on a commercial high-power laser. This study reveals the great potential of amyloid-like aggregates in remote light control of robots and devices.
The use of natural protein-based thin films has been severely limited because of their relatively low stiffness and strength compared to synthetic polymers. Although the mechanical properties of the protein-based thin films could be enhanced through blending with nanofillers, the fabrication of these materials with nanoscale-to-macroscale hierarchical architecture and robust interfacial adhesion via a facile and green method remains a challenge. Here, we prepared robust protein-based organic/inorganic nanocomposite films with a nacre-like microstructure through directly regulating protein conformation in a simple and biocompatible all-aqueous system. These films contain a high concentration of laponite (Lap) and amyloid-like phase-transited bovine serum albumin (PTB) aggregates rich in β-sheets, which could organize Lap nanoplatelets into an intercalated and multistacked structure. In addition, the PTB aggregates present strong mechanical strength, good stability, and especially superior bioadhesion to afford strong organic/inorganic interface bonding. The resultant PTB/Lap films exhibit high Young’s modulus and strength and good chemical stability (in both aqueous solution and organic solvent) and flame retardation, while they are also very transparent (maintaining more than 90% transmittance). Moreover, the film could adhere onto various substrates with robust biomimetic interfacial adhesion, and the resultant coating on glass could function as a smart window to cool down the indoor temperature. Because of their excellent performance and high versatility, the amyloid-like protein/clay nanocomposite films are expected to find broad practical applications.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.