NER: Nanoscale ordered frameworks from biomimetic assembly

本提案是响应纳米尺度科学与工程计划（NSF 05-610， NER类别）而收到的。本研究的目的是合成和表征二维和三维纳米孔框架，可用于仿生生长模板，合成细胞骨架和分子分辨光刻指南。方法是使用天然蛋白质和合成模块的模块化组合，这将允许精确定义支架特征的化学功能和尺寸，以及通过合成化学对框架的物理参数进行调制。这种合成路线将使用分子棒，其末端是市售蛋白质的配体；然后，蛋白质配体识别可用于交联杆状体以创建非共价基质。该项目首次在表面工程应用中实现了复杂的生物分子识别，因此代表了纳米级组装领域的真正进步。随着电子器件结构发展到与分子（纳米级）组织相关的程度，分子自组装相应地成为工程中的一种明确策略。该项目的多学科性质涉及化学、生物、工程和分析方法，因此为从事该项目的研究生和本科生提供了广泛的教育经验。

ABSTRACT This proposal was received in response to Nanoscale Science and Engineering initiative, NSF 05-610, category NER. The objective of this research is synthesis and characterization of 2 and 3-dimensional nanoporous frameworks that could be used as biomimetic growth templates, synthetic cytoskeletons and molecularly resolved lithography guides. The approach is to use a modular combination of both natural proteins and synthetic modules that will allow precise definition the chemical function and dimension of scaffold features as well as ready modulation of the physical parameters of the framework by synthetic chemistry. This synthetic route will employ molecular rods that terminate with the ligands for commercially available proteins; protein-ligand recognition then can be used to crosslink the rods to create a non-covalent matrix. This project implements complex biomolecular recognition in surface engineering applications for the first time and thus represents a genuine advancement to the field of nanoscale assembly. As electronic device configuration has developed to a point where molecular (nanoscale) organization is relevant, molecular self-assembly accordingly has emerged as a clear strategy in engineering. The multidisciplinary nature of this project involves chemical, biological, engineering and analytical methods, thus providing a broad educational experience for graduate students and undergraduates working on the project.