Layer-By-Layer Assemblies of Biopolymers: Build-Up, Mechanical Stability and Molecular Dynamics

Abstract

Rapid development of versatile layer-by-layer technology has resulted in important breakthroughs in the understanding of the nature of molecular interactions in multilayer assemblies made of polyelectrolytes. Nowadays, polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) are considered to be non-equilibrium and highly dynamic structures. High interest in biomedical applications of PEMs has attracted attention to PEMs made of biopolymers. Recent studies suggest that biopolymer dynamics determines the fate and the properties of such PEMs; however, deciphering, predicting and controlling the dynamics of polymers remains a challenge. This review brings together the up-to-date knowledge of the role of molecular dynamics in multilayers assembled from biopolymers. We discuss how molecular dynamics determines the properties of these PEMs from the nano to the macro scale, focusing on its role in PEM formation and non-enzymatic degradation. We summarize the factors allowing the control of molecular dynamics within PEMs, and therefore to tailor polymer multilayers on demand.

Polyelectrolyte Gels: Fundamentals, Fabrication and Applications

“…in addition to the external conditions (pH, ionic strength, etc.) [ 64 , 65 ]. As a new means of LBL assembly, understanding the influence and control of multilayers allows the development of advanced PE multilayers (PEMs) [ 66 ].…”

Nanoparticles in Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Layer-by-Layer (LbL) Films and Capsules—Key Enabling Components of Hybrid Coatings

“…In regard with mechanical properties of planar coatings, mechanical properties of nanometre-thin [41] LbL films [42] (each LbL layer was reported to be 1-2 nm) resemble those of the substrate on which they are assembled (often glass, metal or plastic). But thicker LbL films [43], with a high molecular dynamic of polyelectrolytes [44], are rather soft, hindering cell growth in biomedical applications. One way to increase the stiffness of the coatings is to use chemical cross-linking [45,46].…”

Prediction of coating thickness for polyelectrolyte multilayers via machine learning

“…Different methods can be used for the build-up of LbL coatings, such as dip-coating, spin-coating, and spraying 3 , 4 . The most used method and perhaps the easiest one is dip-coating, but it is also more time-consuming compared to spin-coating for instance 5 .…”

“…First, the formation of the coatings can be very long, if many layers are required, and for thick films, the method can become fastidious. Secondly, the thickness of the different coatings is difficult to control, as it depends on different parameters such as temperature, pH, ionic strength, and others 5 .…”