DEVELOPMENT AND MECHANISTIC STUDY OF A PEPTIDE BASED METHODOLOGY FOR THE PREPARATION OF NANOPARTICLE SUPERSTRUCTURES

The aim of this research is to develop and generalize a peptide-based methodology for inorganic nanoparticle assembly and to understand the underlying mechanism governing the synthesis and assembly process. This research is based on a new methodology to synthesize complex and well-organized nanoparticle superstructures that the Rosi group has developed. This method relies on the use of peptide conjugate molecules to direct both synthesis and the assembly of the nanoparticles. To accomplish goals of this research, new peptide conjugates were designed and synthesized in order to program substantial amounts of information into the peptide conjugate molecules. Their self-assembly has been studied and their ability to direct nanoparticle synthesis and self-assembly has been studied. \ud The research details how modifications to the peptide sequence can impact the resulting structure formation. Fundamental studies were also performed to understand the mechanistic factors underlying this methodology. The key criteria for preparing highly-ordered nanoparticle superstructures were also investigated using this methodology. Ultimately, this approach will lead to precise control over the shape, composition, and interparticle distance within nanoparticle superstructures. \u