Nebulization-Assisted Enzymatic Catalysis: A Microdroplet-Driven Strategy for Green Fabrication of Multifunctional Janus Fabrics

Abstract

To achieve multifunctional integration in textiles, a Janus structure has been extensively incorporated into fabrics. However, the mass production of these materials remains constrained due to complex fabrication processes. We have developed a nebulization-assisted enzymatic catalysis (NAEC) strategy for the efficient fabrication of Janus fabrics. Herein, the microdroplets act as microreactors, enhancing the efficiency of laccase-catalyzed dopamine polymerization due to the improved enzyme conformation and increased local concentration at the droplet interface. Furthermore, this microdroplet-driven dynamic reaction facilitates the formation of a unique Janus structure on the fabric’s surface. This Janus structure can also function as a template to drive the directional deposition of zinc oxide nanoparticles, attributed to the excellent metal-chelating properties of polydopamine (PDA). Ultimately, the composite fabric develops a distinctive nanoscale gradient interface along its thickness, endowing it with excellent water transport, photothermal conversion, and antibacterial properties. The final composite fabric achieves an impressive water evaporation rate of 0.1 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ and enables rapid sterilization within 30 min under simulated sunlight conditions. Notably, the fabric exhibits remarkable machine washability and UV resistance. This innovative microdroplet-driven material finishing method is anticipated to pave the way for environmentally friendly design approaches in developing a new generation of multifunctional Janus textiles.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Nebulization / Microdroplet catalysis / Enzymatic oxidation / Polydopamine template / Nano-zinc oxide / Janus structure textiles

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Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2104000)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Donghua University, Shanghai, China