Membrane-mimetic approach

J. H. Fendler, in T. F. Yen, R. D. Gilbert, J. H. Fendler (eds.) Membrane-Mimetic Approach to Nanotechnology in Advances in the Applications of Membrane-Mimetic Chemistry, Plenum Press, New York, NY 1994, 1. 

Fendler,. Ha Membrane-Mimetic Approach to Advanced Materials. Vol. 113, pp. 1-209. 

Flexoelectricity involves two degrees of freedom of the BLM electrical and mechanical. The system is amenable to simultaneous electrical and optical investigation of mechanical-to-electrical-energy conversion mediated by a bi-molecularly thin membrane. BLMs themselves are unlikely to be used as device components. They offer, however, an eminently suitable means for conducting the fundamental studies which are necessary for the full potential of the membrane-mimetic approach to advanced materials to be realized. 

The membrane-mimetic approach has the potential of providing superior size, morphology, and monodispersity control for ceramic particles. The relatively meager amount of published work in this area [826-834] (see Table 11) is rather surprising. Vigorous and sustained activities, inspired by biomineralization [15-18] and modeled on the incorporation of metallic, catalytic, and semiconducting particles into membrane-mimetic compartments, are fully expected. 

This contribution advocates a wet colloid-chemical approach, based on membrane-mimetic chemistry, to the preparation of advanced materials. Only the essential functions of die biological membrane - molecular organization, compartmentalization and discrimination - are imitated in membrane-mimetic chemistry. Membrane-like compartments are constructed and are employed in them situ generation and stabilization of advanced materials. The membrane-mimetic approach is analogous to and inspired by biomineralization - the in vivo formation of inorganic crystals and/or amoiphous particles in biological systems. 

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