The Invention
Aromatic dipeptides have been demonstrated to self-assemble into discrete nanotubes that are, upon design, either sensitive or resistant to enzymatic degradation. Such nanotubes are homogeneous, with micron-scale persistence length and can serve as molds for conductive nanowires suitable to various applications. Design of the building-blocks allows the assembly of peptide into closed-cage nanospheres.
The Need
There is an acute need for a reduction in scale in areas as diverse as nanocircuitry and nanobiotechnology. Although nanotechnology is in its infancy, limitations associated with tubular and spherical carbon nanoparticles are already apparent. Major issues related the production, uniformity, reproducibility, and cost of carbon nanostructures prevent their wide-spread commercial use. The nanotubes and nanospheres can overcome a number of these limitations and may be expected to significantly expand the horizons of nanotechnology.
Potential Applications
• Electronics
o Metal-filled peptide nanotubes can directly replace carbon nanotubes as a uniform, easy to produce, and inexpensive alternative..
Peptide nanotubes as electronic field emitters for flat panel display
• Sensors
o Highly sensitive biosensors for biological and chemical hazardous materials
o Hollow tubing for complex nanofluidic circuits
• Biotechnology
o Drug delivery
o Drug targeting/release
o Diagnostics
o Artificial membrane channels
• Composite materials
• Paints/Surface coating
Advantages
Discrete and uniform nanotubes
Inexpensive and easy to manufacture
Manufacture is under mild conditions
Stable to enzymatic degradation when prepared with D-amino acids
Exceptional persistence length
Biocompatibility
Scope for chemical modifications
Uniform scaffold for nanowire formation
Development Stage
Homogeneous, separate nanotubes with long persistence length as well nanospheres have been synthesized. The nanotubes have been used as molds for generating silver nanowires. Enzmatically stable nanotubes were also synthesized.
Patent
Pending applications.
