Nanotechnology-enabled materials

Liquid-crystalline nanostructures formed by polymeric materials have great potential to be applied for ion- and electron-conducting materials because efficient and low-dimensional conduction can be achieved in nano-segregated LC phases. Recent progress in supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology enables the design of new materials for ion conductors. Nematic LC poly-... 

In this chapter we describe the basic principles involved in the controlled production and modification of two-dimensional protein crystals. These are synthesized in nature as the outermost cell surface layer (S-layer) of prokaryotic organisms and have been successfully applied as basic building blocks in a biomolecular construction kit. Most importantly, the constituent subunits of the S-layer lattices have the capability to recrystallize into iso-porous closed monolayers in suspension, at liquid-surface interfaces, on lipid films, on liposomes, and on solid supports (e.g., silicon wafers, metals, and polymers). The self-assembled monomolecular lattices have been utilized for the immobilization of functional biomolecules in an ordered fashion and for their controlled confinement in defined areas of nanometer dimension. Thus, S-layers fulfill key requirements for the development of new supramolecular materials and enable the design of a broad spectrum of nanoscale devices, as required in molecular nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, and biomimetics [1-3]. 

Nanotechnology is an evolving research area especially in materials and biotechnological sciences. First studies have shown that the special properties of nanoparticles can give rise to highly active and selective catalysts to enable chemists to perform entirely novel transformations. Discussion and evaluation of the potential of nanoparticles for chemical research in a pharmaceutical company with experts in the field was needed. Other areas in catalysis like biotransformations and metal catalyst screening and development continue to expand the possibilities for the manufacturing of test compounds and development candidates. 

The ability of certain systems to undergo high fidelity self-sorting processes allows the precise positioning of molecules from within a complex mixture. Accordingly, there are a number of applications in materials science and nanotechnology that are enabled by self-sorting processes. This section discusses several examples of representative applications. 

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