Ultrathin films to fabrication of biosensors and biomembrane mimicking: applications in environmental and health areas

Abstract

This project aims to the fabrication of three types of ultrathin films organized at the molecular level named layer-by-layer films (LbL), Langmuir monolayers, and Langmuir-Blodgett films (Lb). Several materials will be essayed to be immobilized on the solid matrices (LbL and LB), including synthetic polymers, biopolymers and lipids. In this way, the ultrathin films will be characterized and analyzed aiming their applicability as sensors with environmental, technological or biomedical interest. The use of Langmuir films of lipids and other biological molecules (proteins, drugs, and nucleotides) will serve as models for biointerfaces, such as vesicles and cell membranes. In short, one intends to install in the new campus of Diadema from Federal University of Sao Paulo, a center to fabricate thin films and Surface Chemistry, through the purchase of a Langmuir trough. (AU)