The most important future
nanotube-based strucutres are the integrated higher-order nanostructures based
on functionalized nanotubes. We are exploiting chemical and biological
functionalization methods. Using organic systhesis and biological techniques, we
are studying on the functionalized nanostructures with biological applications.
The ability to apply organic
chemistry to the ends and sidewalls of carbon and boron-nitride nanotubes
suggests that an extremely wide range of functional nanostructures is possible.
Biological molecules, such as biotins and proteins, can be selectively
“attached” to and “released” from the nanotube. This nanotube-based
system is promising on studying cells, since it is expected not to significatly
perturb the living cells.
Noncovalent methods can be
used to functionalize nanotubes without significantly chaging the physical
properties of the nanotubes. We are intereted in biomimetic surface modification
of the nanotubes by wrapping nanotubes with functional biological species, such
as designed lipids and mucin mimic polymer. The resulting biomimetic surface of
nanotubes can effectively mimick some biological functions, such as protein
adsorption.
Also, these functionalized
nanostructures are being studied for novel electonic, magnetic, thermal,
mechanical and optical properties.
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