Patterned Arrays of Ordered Peptide Nanostructures

Abstract

Methods for the deposition of ordered nanostructures on various substrates are a key factor in nanotechnological devices. There is a special interest in the development of methods for the organization of organic nanostructures that are not compatible with some of the conventional fabrication methods. The unique chemical and physical properties of the peptide nanotubes make them excellent component in various devices and the useful application were already demonstrated in the case of biosensors. Here we demonstrate the ability to deposited aromatic dipeptide nanotubes using electron beam treatment of surfaces to control their wettability. The use of a low energy electron irradiation results in the formation of pre-defined surfaces with controlled level of wettability. This treatment allows the precise patterning of the organic tubular assemblies at high resolution. The differential wettability of the surface resulted in organization of the peptide assemblies according to the properties of the different areas of the surface. In the current work, we describe the use of wettability patterned surfaces for the control patterning of horizontal peptide nanotubes and nanospheres. Furthermore, lift-off lithography is used to make patterned arrays of peptide nano-forests, vertically aligned peptide nanotubes. In summary, the novel patterning techniques together with the unique properties of the peptide nanostructures represent an important step in the integration of these assemblies into functional nanosystems and devices.