Active Control of Transport in Molecular Assemblies

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Professor Paul Bohn of the University of Illinois is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry program to investigate potential gradients in nanometer-scale polymer films containing metallic nanoparticles. The PI is building in-plane potential gradients in acrylate-based polymers (hydrogels) to control the chemical and physical properties of the gel. Interactions with analytes (such as ligand binding)in a fluid medium are being studied. The proposal includes surface plasmon resonance biosensing, electrochemistry, organic thin films, interfacial polymerization, and versatile methods to alter and interrogate surface properties. Controlled analytical surfaces such as these proposed could benefit areas such as chemical imaging, sensors and separations, and lab-on-a-chip applications. There would also be applications in biology, namely, the study of cellular adhesion and migration. High school students involved in a summer program at Clark Atlanta University participate in the research.