Characterization of nanostructured polymer composites containing phthalocyanines or immobilized proteins

Abstract

Nanostructured thin films have been widely exploited in nanoscience and nanotechnolgy due to the ability of molecular control exhibited by these systems. The advent of the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique has afforded fabrication of multilayered nanocomposites with fine control over specific properties such as film thickness and architecture. Furthermore, the technique allows the manipulation of organic, inorganic and biological materials in the form of ultrathin films for applications in opto-electronic devices and sensing. In this study we employ the LbL technique to assemble layered nanocomposites containing either enzymes or phthalocyanines immobilized in conjunction with polyelectrolytes. Emphasis will be given to the optimization of the immobilization process as well as the electrical characterization of the films.