Modulating of Bouligand Structure and Chirality Constructed Bionically Based on the Self-Assembly of Chitin Whiskers

Chitincan self-assemble into a liquid crystal phase with supramolecularchirality and Bouligand structure, which is widely found in the exoskeletonsof arthropods. However, bionically replicating this structure viathe self-assembly of chitin whiskers (CHWs) is still a challenge.Here,the effects of several internal and external parameters on the self-assemblyof CHWs were revealed based on liquid crystal phase, chirality, Bouligandstructure, and rheological properties. The formation of chiral liquidcrystal phase and Bouligand structure largely depends on the concentrationof CHWs and, meanwhile, is affected by the aspect ratio and zeta potentialof CHWs and the self-assembly time. Impressively, introducing electrolytesand changing pH significantly affect the thickness of the electricaldouble layer, thereby also affecting the self-assembly of CHWs. Thisstudy offers a comprehensive understanding of CHWs' self-assemblyprocess, which is beneficial for the bionic design of new nature-inspiredfunctional materials with chiral characteristic and Bouligand structure.

Automated summary

This study reveals the effects of several internal and external parameters on the self-assembly of chitin whiskers (CHWs), including liquid crystal phase, chirality, Bouligand structure, and rheological properties. The formation of chiral liquid crystal phase and Bouligand structure largely depends on the concentration of CHWs and is affected by the aspect ratio and zeta potential of CHWs and the self-assembly time. Introducing electrolytes and changing pH significantly affect the thickness of the electrical double layer, thereby also affecting the self-assembly of CHWs. This study has important implications for the bionic design of new nature-inspired functional materials with chiral characteristic and Bouligand structure.