(Invited) Carbon Nanotubes Cloaked in Synthetic Polymers: Aqueous Dispersion, Characterization, and Applications

Abstract

Surface chemistry plays a crucial role in interactions of carbon nanotubes in the biological environment. Biomimetic functionalities on nanotubes could facilitate effective nano-bio interactions enabling nanoscale biological probes, sensors, and imaging agents. Synthetic polymers that facilitate aqueous solubility, biocompatibility and molecular recognition via biomimicry are highly preferred for multifunctional carbon nanotube-based biological probes. In this talk, we will introduce carbon nanotubes cloaked in synthetic mimics of biopolymers and uses of those nanoscale probes in optical sensing of target biomolecules.