Researchers at UMass Amherst Plumb Potential of Biologically Controlled Nanoparticles

April 29, 2005

Contact:

Daniel J. Fitzgibbons 413/545-0444

AMHERST, Mass. – Two University of Massachusetts Amherst scientists are studying the electronic and magnetic properties of nanomaterials made from proteins combined with nanoparticles, research that could lead to the discovery of new materials combining the properties of nanomaterials with those of biological systems.

The study by Vincent Rotello, professor of chemistry, and Mark Tuominen, associate professor of physics, is supported by a $50,000 grant by the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative. The competitive seed grants are aimed at filling a critical missing link between research on bold new ideas and major federal funding programs, which do not generally provide grants in areas that are considered risky or unusual. Fourteen grants were awarded nationally.

According to Rotello, nanoparticles already serve as building blocks for devices such as biosensors, switches and magnetic storage arrays. Bringing proteins into the atomic and molecular mix could reveal new properties and applications, he says.

The research could someday lead to breakthroughs in bio-computing and bio-memory storage. “Proteins contain enzymes that are nifty switches that could be linked into logic systems,” he says. “We could have really complex computers operating on very different stimuli.”

Rotello says the idea for using proteins evolved from studies of polymer nanoparticles whose properties change as the distance between them is manipulated. “It struck me that polymers are roughly the same size as proteins,” he says.

Tuominen and Rotello chose a simple and stable protein, Cytochrome C, whose properties are well understood. As the protein structures are assembled with nanoparticles, Rotello will work to control the spacing of the nanoparticles and insure the stability of the protein. Once a new nanocomposite is created, Tuominen will use sophisticated equipment to measure its magnetic and conductive properties.

“It's almost impossible to predict what the properties will be,” says Rotello. “It's too complex for standard chemistry and too small for classical physics.”

By adding or removing electrons, the researchers can place the nanocomposites in different states and assess their various properties. Later, the researchers will assemble more complex structures. In the short term, says Rotello, the nanocomposites could serve as biosensors capable of detecting the presence of foreign substances and as materials for tissue and bone growth.

Rotello says basic studies will continue over the next year. “We'll put together the results and then go after some major funding.”

He also praises the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative for supporting new areas of research in nanoscience and nanotechnology. “They're willing to go out on a limb and support research that wouldn't be funded otherwise.”

Funded by a $40 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation, the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative is a 15-year effort to spur interdisciplinary inquiry and to enhance communication among researchers, funding agencies, universities, and the general public – with the object of stimulating interdisciplinary research at the most exciting frontiers.

Vincent Rotello can be reached at 413/545-2058 or by e-mail at rotello@chem.umass.edu.

Mark Tuominen can be reached at 413/545-1944 or tuominen@physics.umass.edu.

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