SIR Chemistry Investigation Abstract
BIOLOGICALLY FUNCTIONALIZED NANOTUNNELS ON FERROELECTRIC LEAD ZIRCONIUM TITANATE SURFACES
Presenters:
Michael Kuo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
William C. Pan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor:
Dr. Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Abstract:
We have shown the feasibility of functionalizing a ferroelectric surface with specifically-binding biomolecules. The ultimate goal is to electrically actuate these biomolecules to act as valves operating within fluid-bearing nanotunnels. The nanotunnels are fabricated using a bilayer resist method on a ferroelectric lead zirconium titanate (PZT) thin film with an underlying platinum electrode substrate. PZT-specific biomolecules are arrived at utilizing peptide-expressing bacteriophages. Attaching these biomolecules in specific locations along a nanotunnel and then applying a polarizing voltage across the PZT layer causes the polar biomolecules to tether toward or away from the surface, forming open and closed nanovalve states. Work thus far has involved testing binding selectivity of the bacteriophage to PZT in relation to other materials comprising the device and fabricating prototype microfluidic devices to test fluidic properties and peptide durability.