Mo₆S_9-xI_x Nanowire Recognitive Molecular-Scale Connectivity

Abstract

We report on a new highly reproducible route to recognitive self-assembly of molecular-scale circuits using sulfur-terminated subnanometer diameter Mo6S9-xIx (MoSIx) molecular nanowires. We demonstrate solution-processed attachment of MoSIx connecting leads to gold nanoparticles (GNPs). We also show that naked nanowires have the potential to bind thiolated proteins such as green fluorescent protein directly, thus providing a universal construct to which almost any protein could be attached. We further demonstrate three-terminal branched circuits with GNPs, opening a self-assembly route to multiscale complex molecular-scale architectures at the single-molecule level.

Simultaneous Determination of Copper, Lead, and Cadmium Ions at a Mo 6 S 9-x I x Nanowires Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode Using Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

“…The materials have strong anisotropy, large Young moduli along the wires, very small shear moduli, and controllable electronic properties. Compared to carbon nanotubes, MoSI NWs have some significant advantages such as straight forward synthesis, monodisperse diameters, and metallic properties [28][29][30][31][32][33]. Our preliminary work has demonstrated its application in fabricating novel electrochemical sensors for highly sensitive detection of estrone hapten [34], Hydrogen peroxide [35] and natural double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid [36].…”

A Novel Hydrogen Peroxide Amperometric Sensor based on Thionin Incorporated onto a Mo6S9‐xIx Nanowire Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

“…They have demonstrated their potential to become unique building elements in biosensors and electrocatalysis. Mihailovic et al reported that the S atoms at the ends of MoSI NWs are capable of forming covalent bonds with a gold surface or with thiolated proteins [30]. We showed that bioassembled nanocircuits of MoSI NWs and anti-estrone antibody on glassy carbon electrodes provide an amplification and conductive pathway for the specific electrochemical sensing of estrone hapten [31].…”

MoSIx connectivity in self‐assembled networks

“…While two nanowires attached to a single GNP are commonly observed, multiple connections have also been obtained. Control experiments with silver nanoparticles showed no attached particles [13].…”