FUNCTIONALIZATION OF CARBON NANOTUBES
Description of Technology
A novel way to functionalize multi-wall/single-wall carbon nanotubes with
biological probes (proteins/antibodies, DNA/RNA sequences, sugars, peptides,
polymers….) has been discovered. Disubstituted η4-dienyl-Fe(CO)3/(CO)2PPh3
have been demonstrated to adsorb physically onto sidewalls of carbon
nanotubes (CNTs) opening a new way to (i) track surface chemistries occurring
at CNTs interfaces using FT-IR (via carbonyl groups of iron complexes), and (ii)
to anchor specifically new chemically activated ligands or anchoring entities
onto CNTs sidewalls for diverse biotechnological applications.
Project status
The proof-of-concept of the non-covalent attachment of a range of disubstituted
η4-dienyl-Fe(CO)3/(CO)2PPh3 has been demonstrated in the laboratory,
validating the concept. Robust and reproducible procedures, as well as the
synthesis of biotinylated iron complexed species toward biotinylated MWCNTs
are ongoing. Patent is pending.
Commercial Significance
Such FT-IR tagging chemistries based on dienyl-iron complexes will provide a
full range of functionalized carbon nanotubes that will open several research
and marketing avenues such as:
a) electronically readable sensors/bio-/immunosensors that need
not- fluorescence-based read out,
b) re-usable planar and suspension CNTs microarrays for
diagnostics,
c) novel MWCNTs-based MRI/EPR contrast agents,
d) novel nano-reservoirs for targeted drug delivery (tissue
targeting could be secured by appropriate MWCNTs sidewall
chemistries).
e) electronically readable chemical libraries supported onto
MWCNTs for high-throughput drug-screening.
Desired Cooperation
Collaboration with diagnostics companies specialized in combinatorial
approaches, electronic sensing and possessing microarray technologies.
