A chemical circular communication network at the nanoscale

Chem Sci. 2020 Dec 9;12(4):1551-1559. doi: 10.1039/d0sc04743k.

Abstract

In nature, coordinated communication between different entities enables a group to accomplish sophisticated functionalities that go beyond those carried out by individual agents. The possibility of programming and developing coordinated communication networks at the nanoscale-based on the exchange of chemical messengers-may open new approaches in biomedical and communication areas. Here, a stimulus-responsive circular model of communication between three nanodevices based on enzyme-functionalized Janus Au-mesoporous silica capped nanoparticles is presented. The output in the community of nanoparticles is only observed after a hierarchically programmed flow of chemical information between the members.