Robust, antibacterial, and fluorescent hybrid films mimicking nacre

The preparation of multifunctional nacre-like hybrid films is reported in this article. The copper ions (Cu2+) were introduced into the hybrid films assembled from fluorescent hyperbranched poly(amido amine) (HPAMAM) and clay nanosheets. The “brick and mortar” structure of the hybrid films was proved by the SEM observation and SAXD detection. Due to the strong interactions among the Cu2+ ions and the HPAMAM molecules, the obtained hybrid films showed enormously improved ultimate strength. At the same time, the elongation at break of the Cu2+ modified hybrid films was more than that of the pristine one too. Furthermore, the Cu2+ ions modified hybrid films showed excellent inhibition on the bacterial growth due to the good antibacterial property of the Cu2+. Under UV irradiation, the hybrid films modified with Cu2+ could also emit strong blue fluorescence. We wish this multifunctional nacre-like hybrid film could provide a promising material for biological applications.