Smart Autonomous Nanomotors through Orthogonal Self-Assembly

该奖项是根据2009年美国复苏和再投资法案（公法111-5）资助的。本研究的目的是通过异质结构纳米棒的正交功能化，构建具有自主运动、识别和驱动能力的智能纳米系统。该方法是使用掠角沉积来设计异阳极主干，其中每个功能单元将通过正交自组装以选择性和高效的方式集成到主干的不同空间位置。智能材料和识别分子将被用于功能化纳米运动骨架，以实现自主运动和控制释放。智力优势：该项目旨在开发一种通用的方法来制造和设计智能纳米系统，开始模仿生物系统的复杂行为。该方法包括：用不同的无机材料和聚合物材料设计异质阳极；探索自主推进机制，允许定向运动和光响应聚合物的可控释放；整合骨干和职能单位。催化、光响应和耗散的推进机制将用于控制自主运动。更广泛的影响：纳米电机制造和选择性功能化的方法允许创建智能纳米功能组件，并将催化设计和集成自主纳米机器的快速创新进展。随着进一步的控制，这些纳米马达在纳米机电系统、药物输送、疾病治疗和其他领域的应用有望实现。此外，pi正在开发的基于实验室的纳米技术课程模块将帮助本科生和高中生获得纳米制造的实践经验。该项目还为研究生和本科生建立了严格的物理、化学和纳米技术教育和培训机会。

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).The objective of this research is to build a smart nanosystem with the capability of autonomous motion, recognition, and actuation through the orthogonal functionalization of heterostructured nanorods. The approach is to use glancing angle deposition to design heteronanorod backbones, where each functional unit will be integrated onto different spatial locations along backbone in a selective and efficient manner using orthogonal self-assembly. Smart materials and recognition molecules will be used to functionalize the nanomotor backbone to perform autonomous motion and controlled release. Intellectual Merit: This project aims to develop a generic methodology to fabricate and design smart nanosystems that starts to mimic the complex behavior of biological systems. The approach involves: designing heteronanorods with different inorganic and polymeric materials; exploring autonomous propulsion mechanisms that allow for directed motion and photo-responsive polymers for controlled release; and integrating the backbone and functional units. Propulsion mechanisms that are catalytic, photoresponsive, and dissipative will be used to control autonomous motion. Broader Impact: The methodology for nanomotor fabrication and selective functionalization allows the creation of smart nano-functional components and will catalyze rapid and innovative advances in designing and integrating autonomous nanomachines. With further control, implications of those nanomotors in nanoelectromechanical systems, drug delivery, disease treatment, and other areas are anticipated. In addition, the lab-based nanotechnology course module under development by the PIs will help undergraduate and high school students to obtain hands-on experience with nanofabrication. This project also establishes a rigorous physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology education and training opportunity for both graduate and undergraduate students.