POLY 69 |
| Naturally-occurring supramolecular objects, such as micelles and viruses, exhibit sophisticated morphological shapes or surface motifs that conventional synthetic and fabrication techniques cannot replicate. However, self-assembly of these structures requires highly specific molecular interactions and benign environmental conditions to ensure the formation of fragile objects. Here, we report a nanofabrication technology that allows the creation of both natural and synthetic self-assembled objects with nanometer-scale fidelity. Adenoviruses and block-copolymer micelles have been molded using ultralow surface energy and low viscosity fluoropolymers to capture these shapes in a permanent, nonstick mold. Such molds can in turn be employed to replicate the self-assembled shapes from a wide range of materials. In sharp contrast to the simple geometric structures typically produced by molding technologies using man-made microfabricated master templates, this process permits high-definition replication of a wide variety of self-assembled and weakly adhering nano-objects, which may have applications in sensing, materials science, and medicine.. |
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National Starch & Chemical Company Award for Outstanding Graduate Research in Polymer Science and Engineering
1:45 PM-5:00 PM, Sunday, August 19, 2007 Westin Boston Waterfront -- Grand Ballroom C, Oral
Division of Polymer Chemistry |