Bioinspired\nMetal–Ligand Networks with Enhanced\nStability and Performance: Facile Preparation of Hydroxypyridinone\n(HOPO)-Functionalized Materials

Bioinspired hydroxypyridinone\n(HOPO)functionalized materials\nare\nshown to display a remarkable capacity for stability and for chelating\na wide array of metal ions. This allows for the synthesis of multifunctional\nnetworks with diverse physical properties when compared to traditional\ncatechol systems. In the present study, we report a facile, one-pot\nsynthesis of an amino HOPO ligand and simple, scalable incorporation\ninto PEG-acrylate based networks via active ester chemistry. This\nmodular network approach allows for fabrication of patterned HOPO\ncontaining networks which can chelate a range of metal ions, such\nas transition metals (Fe<sup>3+</sup>) and lanthanides (Ho<sup>3+</sup>, Tb<sup>3+</sup>), leading to modulation of mechanical, magnetic,\nand fluorescent properties. Moreover, networks with tailored, heterogeneous\nproperties can be prepared through localization of metal ion incorporation\nin 3-dimensions via masking techniques, creating distinctly soft,\nhard, magnetic, and fluorescent domains.