Simple Multipurpose Surface Functionalization by Phase Transited Protein Adhesion

Engineered surface modification is of prime importance in modern material science. This work reports how to manipulate a surface property towards ultra‐performance, multi‐functionalities, and smartness/responsiveness by utilizing newly‐discovered lysozyme phase transition. The phase‐transited lysozyme product consisting of amyloid‐contained microfiber network could stably attach onto metals, oxides, semiconductors, and polymers. Such priming processes imparts moderate hydrophilicity and enhanced corrosion resistance to surfaces. The priming also affords mild positive charges and enriched C‐H bonds on surfaces, which consequently supports the growth of a series of functional building blocks including polymer brushes, colloids, small molecules, and bio‐macromolecules based on chemically specific interactions. The bio‐related applications based on this strategy are further emphasized. First, a bioactive surface is conveniently obtained by this modification to specifically and sensitively detect biomarkers from buffer and undiluted serum. Second, a one‐pot protein immobilization method is developed, which features a high integration of all the protein immobilization steps in single incubation process. Third, a smart stimuli‐responsive surface that is capable of performing 100% reversible transition between bioactive and bioinert surface is constructed. This work lays a foundation for the use of phase‐transited proteins as a universal surface modification tool.