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Switchable surfactants: Small 5/2009
Author(s) -
Cousins Brian G.,
Das Apurba K.,
Sharma Raman,
Li Yanning,
McNamara Jonathan P.,
Hillier Ian H.,
Kinloch Ian A.,
Ulijn Rein V.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.200990022
Subject(s) - carbon nanotube , dispersion (optics) , stacking , nanomaterials , materials science , aqueous solution , nanotechnology , homogeneous , protease , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , chemistry , enzyme , engineering , physics , optics , thermodynamics
Enzymatically activated carbon‐nanotube (CNT) surfactants based on simple aromatic peptide derivatives that create homogeneous aqueous CNT dispersions on‐demand and under constant and physiological conditions are investigated. These switchable, versatile, and low‐cost CNT surfactants provide a step forward for applications where a dynamic interface between biological systems and carbon nanomaterials is required. The image shows amino acid derivatives interacting with a CNT surface by π‐stacking while simultaneously providing a negatively charged surface to assist in the dispersion of CNTs. A protease enzyme is shown, which activates these surfactants on‐demand from inactive precursors. For more information, please read the Communication “Enzyme‐Activated Surfactants for Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes” by I. H. Hillier, I. A. Kinloch, R. V. Ulijn, et al., beginning on page 587 .