Engineered nanogels with catalytic activity towards C-C bond formation

The aim of this experimental work is to combine three different nanomaterials to create a new one able to perform catalytic activity toward a C-C bond formation. In our view, this work is an exploration of a novel chemical design and synthetic strategies at the nanometric-micrometric interface levels. Thus, starting from a natural and abundant protein, BSA, we chemically convert it into a catalytic platform acting toward an aldol condensation. This novel approach is then transferred to a metallic nanomaterial, composed by gold nanoparticle (GNPs). To do this we simply applied the Protein Corona effect, thus to strongly bind the novel catalyst over a GNPs. Interesting we still recovered catalytic activity. To move over, we built up a three-dimensional hydrogels network all around the functionalized GNPs. As a results, a core shell polymeric/metallic particle were obtained. Importantly, the modified protein stays at the core-shell interface level. While in one side the protein is only adsorbed on the GNPs, on the other side protein is covalently fixed to the polymeric matrix of the hydrogels trough the polymerization process. Finally, by sequestering the metallic core, the overall nanosystem now consists in an hollow hydrogel microsphere where the inner cavity is fully covered by the catalytic protein. The resulting material performed enhanced catalytic properties, respect the counterparts in fully aqueous media.