Mangalam A., Simonsen J., Benight A.S.
Oregon State University, US
Keywords: cellulose, composite, DNA, nanocrystal, nanoparticle
One potential advantage of nanotechnology is the ability to engineer bottom-up hierarchical assembly of nanoparticles into functional macroscale materials and devices. The most promising mechanism for accomplishing this is self-assembly. In this project, an advanced strategy was developed to design and manufacture novel hierarchical nanomaterials from cellulose nanocrystals, a molecular coupler and DNA. Recently, cellulose nanocrystals (CNXLs) have attracted much attention from researchers for their remarkable reinforcing abilities. Some advantageous properties of CNXLs are their high aspect ratio of around 20-50 (length/width), low density of around 1.56 g/cc, high stiffness and strength reported to be 145 GPa and 7500 MPa respectively.
DNA and coupler were successfully grafted to cellulose nanocrystals. The size, shape and material properties of the resulting hybrid nanomaterial were investigated via UV spectroscopy, NMR, dynamic laser light scattering, thermal analysis and mechanical testing.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2006 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 7, 2006
Pages: 144 - 147
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 0-9767985-7-3