Study of the Interaction of Nanoparticles and Nanotubes with Cell Membrane Models and Possible Applications

Abstract

The development of nanoscience and nanotechnology in recent years has promoted a new frontier in the study of matter, allowing known compounds have rediscovered their properties to be manipulated at the molecular level. Therefore, there are materials that have been having a high significance, for example, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and metal nanoparticles, because they are endowed with mechanical properties, thermal and power that make them suitable for the development and application devices, especially in the biotechnology and sensors. Several areas benefit from the use of this technology, for example, food, medical, cosmetic, industrial, among others. One possible approach to use these composites is in the manufacture of new intelligent materials for biotechnological applications. Because of this great potential use of nanocomposites in biological systems, it is very interesting to investigate how these materials interact at the molecular level models of cell membranes, or with living systems, with a view to possible nanotoxicidade. This project provides for the study of thin films involving the interaction of carbon nanotubes and metal nanoparticles with model membranes and cell membranes. These thin films are manufactured using the techniques of Langmuir films and Langmuir-Blodgett, allowing also occur in conjunction with other molecules of interest, and thus aiming at possible application in sensors. These nanocomposites will first be evaluated by conventional techniques for characterization of thin films, spectroscopy in the infrared and Raman. Is also used the technique of vibrational spectroscopy for Generation Sum Frequency (SFG). SFG spectroscopy is inherently sensitive to interfaces. In addition to spectral information, which is usually related to the structure of the surface, the technique provides information about the orientation of molecules in the interface. Later, will assess the potential application of these nanomaterials in conjunction with lipids and other molecules such as phthalocyanines for application in biosensors.