Bio-Materials |
|
We are interested in the nanoconfinement effect on the stability and folding of molecules for applications in the field of biotechnology . In o rganic medium , the molecules are confined by their environment . This confinement can be reproduced in nanotubes or materials based on or containing nanocages, nanopores . We are working on filling carbon nanotubes of different sizes with biomolecules. Confined molecules are studied by different techniques ranging from elastic and inelastic neutron scattering to study the structure and dynamics of confined molecules with the Raman spectroscopy. By applying pressures up to 1 GPa (10,000 atm ), for modulating the geometry of the nanotube from the circular shape to the flattened section , it will be possible to act mechanically on biomolecules inside nanotubes which thus act like delicate molecular tweezers. This new approach can open the way for potential applications in the field of conservation and drug targeting , biosensors for the determination of biomolecules or for the stabilization of proteins. This project is financially supported for two years by the ARC1 -SANTE of the Rhône-Alpes region |
People: Vittoria Pischedda |
||
News |
 50ps |
|
|
|
1500ps |
|
|
Molecular dynamics simulation images showing the filling of a 2nm diameter carbon nanotube , with a completely hydrophilic peptide and water molecules. Inside the nanotube, hydrophilic peptides are very stable and tend to adopt a crown geometry with the water molecules separated in the central part. Molecular dynamics simulation by B. Aoun (ILL, Grenoble) and D. Russo.
|
|
|
TEM image of collapsed carbon nanotubes |
|
|
|
Schematic view of the cross section of a nanotube acting as a molecular clip under the effect of the pressure
|
