Our lab at MIT has been interested in how the 1D and 2D electronic structures of carbon nanotubes and graphene respectively can be utilized to advance new concepts in molecular detection, as well as energy generation. By taking advantage of the exceptional electronic properties of these nano-structures, we continue to discover potential application spaces where carbon can play an important role. For example, we have pioneered a novel technique called Corona Phase Molecular Recognition, or CoPhMoRe, for discovering synthetic, heteropolymer corona phases that form molecular recognition sites at the nanoparticle interface. By screening libraries of synthetic heteropolymers chemically adsorbed onto single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT), we have engineered new optical biosensors that exhibit high selective recognition for bio molecules, such as riboflavin, L-thyroxine, dopamine, nitric oxide, sugar alcohols, estradiol, and fibrinogen. These results have significant potential for using SWNT-based sensors to interface to biological systems, allowing monitoring pathways at the sub-cellular, cellular, tissue, and whole-animal scale. I will also highlight our recent efforts in initiating an endeavor we call “Plant Nanobionics”. There we use techniques to deliver and transport functional nanoparticles into living plants to grant them non-native functions. Our goal is to engineer plants to take over many of the functions now performed by electrical devices.

From energy harvesting to living plants - Concepts in biosensing and energy conversion using carbon nanomaterials

256th National Meeting (2018)

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