Nanostructured hybrid materials by self-assembly of nanoparticles induced by biomolecules

Abstract

The use of bio-design concepts is a promising strategy for obtainment materials with properties of great scientific and technological interest. There are numerous examples of materials obtained by employing concepts of biomimetics, bio-inspired engineering or using biotemplates, which have gained prominence in the chemistry of the materials, especially when structured systems are prepared employing DNA, bacteria or fungi. A variety of biological structures available enable several innovative alternatives to overcome the limitations of conventional methods of fabrication. In this context, the fusion of biotechnology with material chemistry has benefited several areas of strategic technologies such as catalysis, health and sensor development. This Project proposes the use of biomimetic concept to establish a protocol for the fabrication of self-organized systems of metal nanoparticles on surfaces of different substrates, with composition, structure and morphology controlled in the form of plates, wires, tubes using among other metals, ceramics and polymers. Some specific biomolecules produced by fungi Penicillium brasilianum, Aspergillus aculeatus, and Xylaria sp will be added in systems containing the surfaces to be coated with metal nanoparticles. These biomolecules will act as agents to induce self-assembly of metal nanoparticles on the surfaces of silicon wafers, carbon micro-tubes, porous alumina and microwires of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The materials will be covered with gold, silver and platinum nanoparticles in the form of spheres or plates and the coating with variable thickness between 25 nm to 200 nm (AU)