Supramolecular nanotechnology

Supramolecular Organic Layer Engineering for Industrial Nanotechnology... 

Given the actual scenario, one can state that the emerging field of nanotechnology represents new effort to exploit new materials as well as new technologies in the development of efficient and low-cost solar cells. In fact, the technological capabilities to manipulate matter under controlled conditions in order to assemble complex supramolecular structures within the range of 100 nm could lead to innovative devices (nano-devices) based on unconventional photovoltaic materials, namely, conducting polymers, fuUerenes, biopolymers (photosensitive proteins), and related composites. 

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]. 

Daniel, M.-C. and Astruc, D. (2004) Gold nanopartides assembly, supramolecular chemistry, quantum-size-related properties, and applications toward biology, catalysis, and nanotechnology. Chemical Reviews, 104, 293-346. 

Controlled formation of three-dimensional functional devices in silica makes the hybrid membrane materials presented here of interest for the development of a new supramolecular approach to nanoscience and nanotechnology through self-organization, towards systems of increasing behavioral and functional addressabilities (catalysis, optical and electronic applications, etc.). 

Due to their unique electronic and chemical properties fullerenes have a tremendous potential as building blocks for molecular engineering, new molecular materials and supramolecular chemistry [54, 133], Many examples of fullerene derivatives (Section 14.1), which are promising candidates for nanotechnological or medical applications, have been synthesized already and even more exciting developments are expected. A detailed description of the potential of fullerene derivatives for technological applications would require an extra monograph. Since this book focuses on the chemical properties and the synthetic potential of fullerenes only a few concepts for fullerene based materials will be briefly presented. 

Finally, Chap. 6 deals with the exploitation of biocatalysis in generating supramolecular polymers, a class of polymers where the monomers are connected via non-covalent bonds. This approach provides highly dynamic and reversible supramolecular structures, inspired by biological polymeric systems found in the intra- and extracellular space. A number of potential applications of enzymatic supramoleular polymerizations are discussed in the context of biomedicine and nanotechnology. 

As in all active areas of research, there are several approaches to the development of nanotechnology. One approach involves techniques similar to sculpting, where one starts with a large piece of material and cuts away what is not needed. The problem is that a lot of the material winds up wasted on the cutting room floor. An alternative approach, described in the following section, starts at the bottom or lower end of the scale and builds up from there. An important feature of this approach is the bonding of molecules to make even larger, more complex molecules—supramolecular chemistry. 

ON THE BORDER BETWEEN CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY - NANOTECHNOLOGY AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF SUPRAMOLECULAR SYSTEMS... 

Nanotechnology and Other Industrial Applications of Supramolecular Systems... 

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