Procedure for Fabricating Biofunctional Nanofibers

Abstract

Electrospinning is an effective processing method for preparing nanofibers decorated with functional groups. Nanofibers decorated with functional groups may be utilized to study material-biomarker interactions i.e. act as biosensors with potential as single molecule detectors. We have developed an effective approach for preparing functional polymers where the functionality has the capacity of specifically binding with a model protein. In our model system, the functional group is 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) and the protein is anti-DNP IgE H NMR and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). The molecular weight distributions of the polymers were narrow (1.1-1.2) and polymers with molecular weights greater than 50,000 was used in this study. The polymers were yellow powders and soluble in tetrahydrofuran. A water soluble CDNP-PEO-P2MS-PEO-CDNP/ DMEG (dimethoxyethylene glycol) complex binds and achieves steady state binding with solution IgE within a few seconds. Higher molecular weight (water insoluble i.e. around 50,000) CDNP-PEO-P2MS-PEO-CDNP polymers, containing 1% single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were processed into electroactive nanofibers (100 nm to 500 nm in diameter) on silicon substrate. Fluorescence spectroscopy shows that anti-DNP IgE interacts with the nanofibers by binding with the DNP functional groups decorating the fibers. These observations suggest that appropriately functionalized nanofibers hold promise for developing biomarker detection device. Video LinkThe video component of this article can be found at

Effects of Polydopamine Functionalization on Boron Nitride Nanotube Dispersion and Cytocompatibility

“…Alternatively, non-covalent approaches such the use of amphiphilic molecules for dispersion has been successfully applied for CNT formulations [22][23][24][25][26] commonly in conjunction with an ultra-sonication process 27- 33 .…”

“…The difficulties associated with BNNT dispersion in water and organic solvents has proved problematic for the generation of BNNT formulations and nanocomposites, and early studies have concentrated on identifying suitable methodologies to address BNNT dispersion. − Initial approaches have focused on similar covalent and noncovalent methodologies used for CNT dispersion . Specifically, acid treatment has been applied to add functional surface groups to CNTs; however, this treatment produces irreversible structural changes and decrements in electronic and mechanical properties of the nanotubes. − Alternatively, noncovalent approaches such as the use of amphiphilic molecules for dispersion have been successfully applied for CNT formulations − commonly in conjunction with an ultrasonication process. − …”