Dong Xiangyang, Shi Lei, Ma Shuai, Chen Xinyi, Cao Shiyi, Li Wei, Zhao Ze, Chen Chaoji, Deng Hongbing
Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-based Medical Materials, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China.
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China.
Nano Lett. 2024 Oct 2;24(39):12014-12026. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c02632. Epub 2024 Sep 10.
Owing to its multiple fascinating properties of renewability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity, chitin is expected to become a green cornerstone of next-generation functional materials. Chitin nanofibers, as building blocks, form multiscale hierarchical structures spanning nano- and macrolevels in living organisms, which pave the way for sophisticated functions. Therefore, from a biomimetic perspective, exploiting chitin nanofibers for use in multifunctional, high-performance materials is a promising approach. Here, we first summarize the latest advances in the multiscale hierarchical structure assembly mode of chitin and its derivative nanofibers, including top-down exfoliation and bottom-up synthesis. Subsequently, we emphasize the environmental impacts of these methods, which are crucial for whether chitin nanofibers can truly contribute to a more eco-friendly era. Furthermore, the latest progress of chitin nanofibers in environmental and medical applications is also discussed. Finally, the potential challenges and tailored solutions of chitin nanofibers are further proposed, covering raw material, structure, function, manufacturing, policies, etc.
由于几丁质具有可再生、可生物降解、生物相容性和抗菌活性等多种迷人特性，它有望成为下一代功能材料的绿色基石。几丁质纳米纤维作为构建单元，在生物体中形成跨越纳米和宏观层面的多尺度层次结构，为复杂功能铺平了道路。因此，从仿生学角度来看，将几丁质纳米纤维用于多功能、高性能材料是一种很有前景的方法。在此，我们首先总结了几丁质及其衍生物纳米纤维多尺度层次结构组装模式的最新进展，包括自上而下的剥离和自下而上的合成。随后，我们强调这些方法对环境的影响，这对于几丁质纳米纤维能否真正推动进入更环保的时代至关重要。此外，还讨论了几丁质纳米纤维在环境和医学应用方面的最新进展。最后，进一步提出了几丁质纳米纤维潜在的挑战和针对性解决方案，涵盖原材料、结构、功能、制造、政策等方面。
