Qualitative mapping of structurally different dipeptide nanotubes.
Biological self-assembled structures are receiving increasing focus within micro- and nanotechnology, for example, as sensing devices, due to the fact that they are cheap to produce and easy to functionalize. Therefore, methods for the characterization of these structures are much needed. In this paper, electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) was used to distinguish between hollow nanotubes formed by self-assembly by a simple aromatic dipeptide, L-phenylalanine, silver-filled peptide-based nanotubes, and silver wires placed on prefabricated SiO2 surfaces with a backgate. The investigation shows that it is possible to distinguish between these three types of structures using this method. Further, an agreement between the detected signal and the structure of the hollow peptide was demonstrated; however only qualitative agreement with the mathematical expressing of the tubes is shown.
DTU Nanotech-Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, DK-DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark. cahu@nanotech.dtu.dk
Casper Hyttel
CH
Clausen
Jason
J
Jensen
Jaime
J
Castillo
Maria
M
Dimaki
Winnie Edith
WE
Svendsen
D004151:Dipeptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D004151:Dipeptides