M.O.Güler, Self-Assembled Nanostructures for Functional Materials

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
FENS SEMINARS

Self-Assembled Nanostructures for Functional Materials

Mustafa O. Güler, PhD
Institute for Bionanotechnology in Medicine
Northwestern University Chicago, IL

Abstract: This lecture will illustrate concepts of making materials which mimic the structure and function of the biological materials through programmed self-assembly of small molecules. The self-assembly mechanism that forms the supramolecular aggregates involves non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.  Diverse functional groups are incorporated into nanostructures, for example bioactive peptide sequences and metal chelating groups as well as hydrophobic motifs that include alkyl chains, steroid rings, and aromatic systems. The potential impact of these nanostructures on regenerative medicine, drug delivery and bio-imaging will be discussed.

November 7th, 2007, 14:40, FENS G035