One pot protein assisted deposition of pyrocatechol based functional films

Abstract Films based on catechols find interesting applications for the protection and active functionalization of surfaces. But in the absence of amine functionalities even if catechols undergo oxidation in solution, almost no material deposition is observed on surfaces. In this investigation we add an enzyme, alkaline phosphatase, as a source of amino groups, to deposit in a one pot process composite films made of the simplest catechol containing molecule, and an active enzyme. We demonstrate indirectly that only the upper part of the film, close to the film/solution interface, is enzymatically active. But this apparent drawback is compensated by the finding that a conformal and active film is obtained after about 1 h of deposition from the pyrocatechol + enzyme blend in the presence of 10 mM NaIO4 as the oxidant. We also illustrate the versatility of this one pot coating method on the surface of Teflon.