Molecular Foundry Seminar

"Self-Assembly, Programmed Assembly, and Active Assemblies"

Dr. Bruce Bunker, Sandia National Laboratories
Tuesday, August 30th at 1:00 pm, Bldg. 67 - 3111

View the Foundry Seminar Schedule

Abstract:

The Soft, Biological, and Nanocomposites Thrust in the joint Sandia-Los Alamos Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) has a research focus on bio-inspired solution-based nanomaterials. This talk will provide an overview of BES- and Sandia’s LDRD-funded research involving the assembly and functionality of materials in which active molecules are imbedded in a fluid or reconfigurable matrix. These materials are intended to mimic some of the dynamic and responsive attributes associated with cell membranes and cytoskeletal systems. Three classes of assemblies will be highlighted. In self-assembled systems, molecular components create complex structures via optimization of fixed molecular interactions. In programmed assemblies, active molecules that respond to heat, light, or electric fields can switch their size and/or interaction potentials to reversibly program assembly behaviors. Active assemblies contain energy-consuming molecules such as motor proteins that can be used to provide active transport and assembly functions. Examples will be provided for all three classes of assemblies, with an emphasis on manipulations of reconfigurable cell-like membranes consisting of either lipid bilayers or block copolymers. Potential applications ranging from microfluidic devices to renewable energy systems will be described.