POLY 97 |
| Peptide nanostructures were prepared using newly synthesized bolaamphiphiles and their self-assembly process, morphology, and surface properties were studied using atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. By selecting specific amino acid head groups and chain lengths for the construction of the bolamphiphiles, one can manipulate not only the shape and size of the nanostructures formed, but also the binding properties, making it possible to design nanostructures with desired functionalities. The growth of the nanostructures was studied under varying conditions such as different pH and solvents. We also developed a biological approach for growing selenium nanoparticles on the nanostructures, in particular on the nanotubes. The amino acid selenocysteine was found to bind to the nanotubes efficiently and upon reduction with ascorbic acid, selenium nanoparticles were formed. Such functionalized nanotubes could potentially be used for devices for opto-electronics, biomedicine and sensors. |
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General Papers: Polymers and Biology
6:00 PM-8:00 PM, Sunday, 10 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Poster
Sci-Mix
Division of Polymer Chemistry |