Self-strengthening biphasic nanoparticle assemblies with intrinsic catch bonds

KC Dansuk and S Keten, NATURE COMMUNICATIONS, 12, 85 (2021).

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20344-4

Protein-ligand complexes with catch bonds exhibit prolonged lifetimes when subject to tensile force, which is a desirable yet elusive attribute for man-made nanoparticle interfaces and assemblies. Most designs proposed so far rely on macromolecular linkers with complicated folds rather than particles exhibiting simple dynamic shapes. Here, we establish a scissor-type X-shaped particle design for achieving intrinsic catch bonding ability with tunable force-enhanced lifetimes under thermal excitations. Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to illustrate equilibrium self-assembly and force-enhanced bond lifetime of dimers and fibers facilitated by secondary interactions that form under tensile force. The non-monotonic force dependence of the fiber breaking kinetics is well-estimated by an analytical model. Our design concepts for shape-changing particles illuminates a path towards novel nanoparticle or colloidal assemblies that have the passive ability to tune the strength of their interfaces with applied force, setting the stage for self-assembling materials with novel mechanical functions and rheological properties. Catch bonds are protein-ligand interactions that exhibit enhancement of bond lifetime when subject to tensile force, which is a desirable yet elusive attribute for man-made nanoparticle interfaces. Here, the authors provide a nanoparticle design that can form catch bonds with tunable force-enhanced lifetimes under thermal excitations.

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