Experimental Approach for Developing and Testing Predictive Self-Assembly Models

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Hendrick ◽  
James Tuckerman ◽  
Mario Juha ◽  
Nathan Crane
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Terminal Velocity ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Process Variables ◽  
Energy Limit ◽  
Testing Methods ◽  
Substrate Binding Sites

Testing methods and apparatus for studying capillary self-assembly processes are presented. This system permits the control of key self-assembly process variables so that relationships between process rates and yields and the process variables can be tested. Part arrival energies and angles are controlled by dropping through a fluid at terminal velocity onto fixed substrate binding sites. Using this system, the assembly probability at the low energy limit is shown to match a simple area fraction relationship.

Experimental Testing of Micro-Scale Self Assembly Process Model

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose M. Carballo ◽  
Sean Hollis ◽  
Nathan Crane
Keyword(s):  
Binding Energy ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Test System ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Process Variables ◽  
Surface Binding ◽  
Impact Surface ◽  
Experimental Assembly

Self assembly holds potential as a more efficient mass-production tool for integration of micro and nano-scaled devices, than traditional pick-and-place methods. While there has been significant innovation in self-assembly demonstrations, less progress has been made on models to predict the relationship between process rates and yields and key process parameters. This work is meant to gather experimental data on capillary self assembly process for micrometer scaled devices, using a controlled experimental assembly system. The purpose is to identify appropriate process variables that can be used to characterize self-assembly processes. Candidate process variables include kinetic energy, angle of impact, surface binding energy, shape and size of surfaces, and fraction area of assembly. Significant improvements to the previously reported self assembly test system are shown. While the experimental techniques continue to be refined, empirical relations are shown for various angles of impact, with fixed kinetic and binding energy values.

Charge Effect on the Quantum Dots-Peptide Self-Assembly Using Fluorescence Coupled Capillary Electrophoresis

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 4035-4039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianhao Wang ◽  
Jingyan Li ◽  
Yiwan Teng ◽  
Yanhua Bi ◽  
Wei Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Capillary Electrophoresis ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Charge Effect ◽  
Metal Affinity ◽  
Assembly Kinetics

We present a molecular characterization of metal-affinity driven self-assembly between CdSe–ZnS quantum dots and a series of hexahistidine peptides with different charges. In particular, we utilized fluorescence coupled capillary electrophoresis to test the self-assembly process of quantum dots with peptides in solution. Four peptides with different charges can be efficiently separated by fluorescence coupled capillary electrophoresis. The migration time appeared to be influenced by the charges of the peptide. In addition, the kinetics of self-assembly process of quantum dots with one of the peptides manifested a bi-phasic kinetics followed by a saturating stage. This work revealed that there exist two types of binding sites on the surface of quantum dots for peptide 1: one type termed “high priority” binding site and a “low priority” site which is occupied after the first binding sites are fully occupied. The total self-assembly process finishes in solution within 80 s. Our work represents the systematic investigation of the details of self-assembly kinetics utilizing high-resolution fluorescence coupled capillary electrophoresis. The charge effect of peptide coating quantum dots provides a new way of preparing bioprobes.

Preparation of BSA Nanoparticles by Desolvation Technique Using Acetone as Desolvating Agent

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1643-1647
Author(s):  
Krishna Sailaja A ◽  
Amareshwar P
Keyword(s):  
Aqueous Solution ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Process Parameters ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Size Control ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Preparation Condition ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Average Size

In order to see the functionality and toxicity of nanoparticles in various food and drug applications, it is important to establish procedures to prepare nanoparticles of a controlled size. Desolvation is a thermodynamically driven self-assembly process for polymeric materials. In this study, we prepared BSA nanoparticles using the desolvation technique using acetone as desolvating agent. Acetone was added intermittently into 1% BSA solution at different pH under stirring at 700 rpm. Amount of acetone added, intermittent timeline of acetone addition, and pH of solution were considered as process parameters to be optimized. The effect of the process parameters on size of the nanoparticles was studied. The results indicated that the size control of BSA nanoparticles was achieved by adding acetone intermittently. The standard deviation of average size of BSA nanoparticles at each preparation condition was minimized by adding acetone intermittently. The intermittent addition in polymeric aqueous solution can be useful for size control for food or drug applications.  

scholarly journals Interfacial Crystallization and Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Spider Silk Inspired Protein at the Water-Air Interface

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4239
Author(s):  
Pezhman Mohammadi ◽  
Fabian Zemke ◽  
Wolfgang Wagermaier ◽  
Markus B. Linder
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Spider Silk ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Protein Solution ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Macromolecular Assembly ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Air Interface ◽  
Fundamental Research ◽  
Β Sheet

Macromolecular assembly into complex morphologies and architectural shapes is an area of fundamental research and technological innovation. In this work, we investigate the self-assembly process of recombinantly produced protein inspired by spider silk (spidroin). To elucidate the first steps of the assembly process, we examined highly concentrated and viscous pendant droplets of this protein in air. We show how the protein self-assembles and crystallizes at the water–air interface into a relatively thick and highly elastic skin. Using time-resolved in situ synchrotron X-ray scattering measurements during the drying process, we showed that the skin evolved to contain a high β-sheet amount over time. We also found that β-sheet formation strongly depended on protein concentration and relative humidity. These had a strong influence not only on the amount, but also on the ordering of these structures during the β-sheet formation process. We also showed how the skin around pendant droplets can serve as a reservoir for attaining liquid–liquid phase separation and coacervation from the dilute protein solution. Essentially, this study shows a new assembly route which could be optimized for the synthesis of new materials from a dilute protein solution and determine the properties of the final products.

scholarly journals Self-Assembled Nanomaterials Based on Complementary Sn(IV) and Zn(II)-Porphyrins, and Their Photocatalytic Degradation for Rhodamine B Dye

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 3598
Author(s):  
Nirmal K. Shee ◽  
Hee-Joon Kim
Keyword(s):  
Aqueous Solution ◽  
Visible Light Irradiation ◽  
Rhodamine B ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
The Self ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Absorption Bands ◽  
Ligand Coordination ◽  
Rhodamine B Dye ◽  
Metal Ligand

A series of porphyrin triads (1–6), based on the reaction of trans-dihydroxo-[5,15-bis(3-pyridyl)-10,20-bis(phenyl)porphyrinato]tin(IV) (SnP) with six different phenoxy Zn(II)-porphyrins (ZnLn), was synthesized. The cooperative metal–ligand coordination of 3-pyridyl nitrogens in the SnP with the phenoxy Zn(II)-porphyrins, followed by the self-assembly process, leads to the formation of nanostructures. The red-shifts and remarkable broadening of the absorption bands in the UV–vis spectra for the triads in CHCl3 indicate that nanoaggregates may be produced in the self-assembly process of these triads. The emission intensities of the triads were also significantly reduced due to the aggregation. Microscopic analyses of the nanostructures of the triads reveal differences due to the different substituents on the axial Zn(II)-porphyrin moieties. All these nanomaterials exhibited efficient photocatalytic performances in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye under visible light irradiation, and the degradation efficiencies of RhB in aqueous solution were observed to be 72~95% within 4 h. In addition, the efficiency of the catalyst was not impaired, showing excellent recyclability even after being applied for the degradation of RhB in up to five cycles.

scholarly journals Metal Oxide-Related Dendritic Structures: Self-Assembly and Applications for Sensor, Catalysis, Energy Conversion and Beyond

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1686
Author(s):  
Ruohong Sui ◽  
Paul A. Charpentier ◽  
Robert A. Marriott
Keyword(s):  
Metal Oxide ◽  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
The Self ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Electronic Noses ◽  
Dendritic Nanostructures ◽  
Energy Conversion And Storage ◽  
The Aesthetic

In the past two decades, we have learned a great deal about self-assembly of dendritic metal oxide structures, partially inspired by the nanostructures mimicking the aesthetic hierarchical structures of ferns and corals. The self-assembly process involves either anisotropic polycondensation or molecular recognition mechanisms. The major driving force for research in this field is due to the wide variety of applications in addition to the unique structures and properties of these dendritic nanostructures. Our purpose of this minireview is twofold: (1) to showcase what we have learned so far about how the self-assembly process occurs; and (2) to encourage people to use this type of material for drug delivery, renewable energy conversion and storage, biomaterials, and electronic noses.

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