Integrating peptide nanotubes in micro-fabrication processes

Abstract

Self-assembled peptide nanotubes are unique, newly developed nano-structures which exhibit many exciting properties that may establish them as preferred nano-technological building blocks, especially for nano-fluidics, biological sensing and self-assembly applications. Integrating peptide nanotube materials in standard micro-fabrication processes is inhibited by some of their specific characteristics, which make them susceptible to some of the chemicals used in standard lithography. Here, we present an adjusted photo-lithography compatible scheme that allows the integration of these novel new nano-materials in batch processing techniques. Specifically, a scheme for creating nano-fluidic channels using peptide nanotubes, as well as contacting nanotubes to electrodes, is demonstrated. In addition, some of the incompatible fabrication methods are delineated. The modified micro-fabrication processes described here can be extended to other types of sensitive nano-materials.

Amyloid-based nanosensors and nanodevices

“…Furthermore, the peptide fiber fabrication process is much faster, less costly and does not require a clean-room. [67][68][69][70][71] Ideally, scaleddown systems can perform as many operations as those currently conducted in a standard-size laboratory, but with lower sample volumes, shorter analysis times and reduced costs. All the mentioned systems can be applied for the accurate detection and quantification of biological molecules in small samples which will have an impact on drug discovery strategies, on food and water quality, on research-related applications and, finally, on clinical diagnostics.…”

“…Regarding self-assembled peptide nanostructures, the diphenylalanine (FF) dipeptide and its aromatic dipeptide analogue, the tert-butyl dicarbonate Boc-FF, have been extensively investigated for the development of LOC and microfluidic devices. [68][69][70] Depending on the fabrication process, different nanostructures, such as nanotubes, nanowires and nanoparticles can be created. The main advantage of the FF peptide structures that makes them suitable material for nanofabrication is their strong mechanical properties, their resistance to proteolytic, thermal and chemical manipulations.…”

High stability of self‐assembled peptide nanowires against thermal, chemical, and proteolytic attacks

“…Although peptide-based nanomaterials have many advantages as mentioned above, they are generally unstable and fragile under the process conditions encountered in their applications (Ariga et al, 2008;Sopher et al, 2007). Many nanostructures are treated with chemical solvents or solutions with extreme pHs at high temperatures during the micro-fabrication processes (Sopher et al, 2007), but peptide-based nanostructures are stable only within a certain range of pHs (Jayawarna et al, 2006;Sopher et al, 2007) and/or temperatures (Pochan et al, 2003). Thus, it is critical to enhance their stability under various environmental conditions to broaden the horizon of peptide-based nanomaterial applications.…”

Fabrication of Nanostructures Using Self-Assembled Peptides as Templates: The Diphenylalanine Case

“…The diameter of the nanochannel was defined by the diameter of the FF NT, which could vary between 80 and 300 nm. Sopher et al used this approach to present the fabrication of a nanochannel for the transport of liquids between two microcontainers [25]. Again, one should take into account that, depending on the liquid transport through the NT, its structure could be affected if the liquid is an organic solvent such as water.…”