Nanostructured interfaces for the investigation of bioactive substances in cell membrane models and for the construction of optoelectronic devices

Abstract

In this project, we intend to use structures organized at the molecular level at interfaces as cell membrane models, and for the immobilization of enzymes for the production of enzymatic optoelectronic devices. For that, we will use Langmuir monolayers and Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films. The films will be produced from materials of pharmacological and / or technological interest, in which insoluble amphiphiles, such as lipids, forming a monolayer at the air-water interface, pure or mixed with proteins, and bioactive potential compounds such as those with antifungal, or antitumor activity, will interact with the interface and be investigated by means of tensiometric, electrical, rheological, spectroscopic and morphological measurements. It is also intended to immobilize enzymes, antibodies and moieties of nucleic acids in LB films for the production of optoelectronic devices capable of molecular recognition. As a result, substances that aid in the molecular accommodation, modulating the biological activity and the response signal of the interaction, will be employed. Candidates include conductive polymers, metal nanoparticles, polysaccharides, graphene, and carbon nanotubes. In this sense, the remarkable interaction that the proponent has with groups inside and outside the institution, specialists in the obtaining of bioactive materials of interest, in Molecular Biology, and in the synthesis of conducting polymers. This fact allows, therefore, to make up such specialties, investigating at the molecular level interactions that aid in the understanding of biophysical and biochemical processes in cell membranes and also assist in the construction of intelligent surfaces constructed from bioinspired interfaces organized at the molecular level for the manufacture of optoelectronic devices such as biosensors. (AU)