Ligand-Mediated Spatially Controllable Superassembly of Asymmetric Hollow Nanotadpoles with Fine-Tunable Cavity as Smart H₂O₂-Sensitive Nanoswimmers

Abstract

Ligand-mediated interface control has been broadly applied as a powerful tool in constructing sophisticated nanocomposites. However, the resultant morphologies are usually limited to solid structures. Now, a facile spatially controllable ligand-mediated superassembly strategy is explored to construct monodispersed, asymmetric, hollow, open Au-silica (SiO2) nanotadpoles (AHOASTs). By manipulating the spatial density of ligands, the degree of diffusion of silica can be precisely modulated; thus the diameters of the cavity can be continuously tuned. Due to their highly anisotropic, hollow, open morphologies, we construct a multicompartment nanocontainer with enzymes held and isolated inside the cavity. Furthermore, the resulting enzyme–AHOASTs are used as biocompatible smart H2O2-sensitive nanoswimmers and demonstrate a higher diffusion coefficient than other nanoscaled swimmers. We believe that this strategy is critical not only in designing sophisticated hollow nanosystem but also in providing great opportunities for applications in nanomaterial assembly, catalysis, sensors, and nanoreactors.

Kinetics‐Regulated Interfacial Selective Superassembly of Asymmetric Smart Nanovehicles with Tailored Topological Hollow Architectures

“…[5] Besides, our group has recently fabricated asymmetric hollow Au-silica nanotadpoles through a superassembly strategy, which was employed as a multicompartment nanomotor via infusing catalase held inside the cavity. [6] Although some progress has been made, the complex synthetic process, low yield as well as high cost severely restrict their practical application. Beyond that, the only one opening of hollow nanoparticles may limit the efficiency of mass and energy transfer.…”

“…synthesized carbonaceous nanoflasks encapsulating platinum nanoparticles to serve as nanomotors propelled via a bubble in hydrogen peroxide solution [5] . Besides, our group has recently fabricated asymmetric hollow Au‐silica nanotadpoles through a superassembly strategy, which was employed as a multicompartment nanomotor via infusing catalase held inside the cavity [6] . Although some progress has been made, the complex synthetic process, low yield as well as high cost severely restrict their practical application.…”

Enzyme-powered micro- and nano-motors: key parameters for an application-oriented design

“…2G) that contain the enzymes inside the structure and propel without forcing asymmetry. 112–115 Similar structures to tubes are bottle-like shapes, 35,98,107 which release the product through a single hole in the structure (Fig. 2H).…”

“…Metals like Au and Fe 3 O 4 have been also combined with silica to take advantage of the same magnetic and photo-reactive properties, 92–95 to attach isotopes for visualization, 96 to create an asymmetric incorporation of enzymes, 97–101 or to synthesize an organoclay chassis. 102 There are even examples of polymers combined with both silica and metals such as (1) MnFe 2 O 4 added as a layer in the combination of silica with poly( l -lysine), poly(methacrylic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) (SiO 2 -PLL-PMA-MnFe 2 O 4 -PEG) 103 or (2) Au nanoparticles added between layers of poly(ethylene glycol), poly(acrylic acid) and mesoporous silica (PEG-Au-PAA- m SiO 2 ), 104 to offer magnetic guidance and to induce an asymmetric chassis structure, respectively.…”

Interfacial Assembly of Functional Mesoporous Carbon‐Based Materials into Films for Batteries and Electrocatalysis

“…supercapacitors, flexible displays and miniature wireless communication devices (Figure 17). [184][185][186][187][188][189][190][191][192][193][194][195][196] Some interdisciplinary areas can also be explored such as biomedical fields. The discussed and analyzed mechanism of improving energy systems performance also provides some fundamental theory for other fields.…”