“…The data described above suggested to us that the as-prepared poly(dopamine) samples were composed primarily of noncovalent bonding interactions, including hydrogen bonding and charge transfer, as has been observed in other robust, synthetic or biological, supramolecular polymers and materials. − To further support such a noncovalent model, poly(dopamine) powder was reacted with aqueous sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl, 5–6%) or potassium periodate (KIO 4 , saturated solution), both of which are commonly used for oxidizing alcohols to their corresponding carbonyls. − We hypothesized that if poly(dopamine) was comprised of monomers bound by charge transfer, hydrogen bonding, or other supramolecular interactions (Figure ), oxidation of the mixture to the corresponding diones would be expected to degrade the polymer, allowing for analysis of small molecule products. Upon reaction with either of the aforementioned oxidants, the otherwise insoluble powder dissolved into the aqueous medium and transitioned from dark brown to clear and nearly colorless.…”