Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of PDA nanoparticles with controllable size regulation

The particle size is of importance for polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles in different applications. Therefore, the synthesis approaches of PDA nanoparticles with fine-controlled size are highly desirable. Here, a novel ultrasound-assisted strategy for size control preparation of PDA nanoparticles was reported. The incorporation of ultrasound facilitated the reaction kinetics of DA, which increased the nucleation rate of PDA nanoparticles, therefore yielding smaller PDA nanoparticles. The diameter of PDA nanoparticles can be regulated effectively from 162.8 to 666.7 nm through adjusting dopamine (DA) concentration from 1 to 4 mg/mL in ultrasound-assisted route. This work has enriched the controllable synthesis methods of PDA nanoparticles, which opens more room for size dependent applications of PDA nanoparticles.