Wafer-scale thin encapsulated two-dimensional nanochannels and its application toward visualization of single molecules

We present a new and simple approach to fabricate wafer-scale, thin encapsulated, two-dimensional nanochannels by using conventional surface-micromachining technology and thin-film evaporation. The key steps to the realization of two-dimensional nanochannels are a fine etching of a sacrificial layer to create underetching spaces at the nanometer regime, and an accurate thin-film evaporation for encapsulation. Well-defined cross-sectional, encapsulated nanochannel arrays with dimensions as small as 20 nm in both width and height have been realized at the wafer-scale. The fabricated nanochannels with a channel length of 10mm have been used as a suitable fluidic platform for confining a solution containing nanomolar concentrations of Alexa fluorescent molecules. Initial results toward visualization of single Alexa molecules in the confined solution are reported.     

Microspectroscopic analysis of green fluorescent proteins infiltrated into mesoporous silica nanochannels

The infiltration of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) into nanochannels of different diameters in mesoporous silica particles was studied in detail by fluorescence microspectroscopy at room temperature. Silica particles from the MCM-41, ASNCs and SBA-15 families possessing nanometer-sized (3-8 nm in diameter) channels, comparable to the dimensions of the infiltrated guest protein EGFP (barrel structure with dimensions of 2.4 nm × 4.2 nm), were used as hosts. We found that it is necessary to first functionalize the surfaces of the silica particles with an amino-silane for effective encapsulation of EGFP. We demonstrated successful infiltration of the protein into the nanochannels based on fluorescence microspectroscopy and loading capacity calculations, even for nanochannel diameters approaching the protein dimensions. We studied the spatial distributions of the EGFPs within the silica particles by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and multimode microscopy. Upon infiltration, the fluorescence lifetime drops as expected for an emitter embedded in a high refractive index medium. Further, the spectral properties of EGFP are preserved, confirming the structural integrity of the infiltrated protein. This inorganic-protein host-guest system is an example of a nanobiophotonic hybrid system that may lead to composite materials with novel optical properties.     

The first rare-earth fluoride one-dimensional nanostructures: template synthesis of LnF<Subscript>3</Subscript> (Ln = Eu,La) nanotubes

Uniformly ordered crystal EuF₃ and LaF₃ nanotubes were prepared using alumina film as a nanochannel reactor, and characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). These nanotubes have outer diameters in the range of 200–350 nm, inner diameters of 100–250 nm and length up to 30 μm. The fabrication method is simple, efficient and easy to control. It can be used to prepare a wide range of inorganic nanomaterials.     

A nanochannel array based device for determination of the isoelectric point of confined proteins

A nanochannel array based nanodevice can mimic the biological environments and thus unveil the natural properties, conformation and recognition information of biomolecules such as proteins and DNA in confined spaces. Here we report that porous anodic alumina (PAA) of a highly parallel nanochannel array covalently modified with proteins significantly modulates the transport of a negatively charged probe of ferricyanide due to the electrostatic interactions between the probes and modified nanochannel inner surface. Results show that such electrostatic interaction exists in a wide range of ionic strength from 1 mM to 100 mM in 20 nm nanochannels modified with proteins (hemoglobin, bovine serum albumin, and goat anti-rabbit IgG secondary antibody). In addition, the maximal steady-state flux of the charged probe through the modified nanochannel array is directly related to the ionic strength which determines the electric double layer thickness and solution pH which modulates the nanochannel surface charge. Thus, the modulated mass transport of the probe by solution pH can be used to study the charge properties of the immobilized proteins in nanochannel confined conditions, leading us to obtain the isoelectric point (pI) of the proteins confined in nanochannels. The determined pI values of two known proteins of hemoglobin and bovine serum albumin are close to the ones of the same proteins covalently modified on a 3-mercaptopropionic acid self-assembled monolayer/gold electrode. In addition, the pI of an unknown protein of goat anti-rabbit IgG secondary antibody confined in nanochannels was determined to be 6.3. Finally, the confinement effect of nanochannels on the charge properties of immobilized proteins has been discussed.     

Nanobody‐Conjugated Nanotubes for Targeted Near‐Infrared In Vivo Imaging and Sensing

Fluorescent nanomaterials such as single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have many advantages in terms of their photophysics, but it is difficult to target them to specific locations in living systems. In contrast, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been genetically fused to proteins in many cells and organisms. Therefore, GFP can be seen not only as a fluorophore but as a universal target/handle. Here, we report the conjugation of GFP‐binding nanobodies to DNA‐wrapped SWCNTs. This approach combines the targeting capabilities of GFP‐binding nanobodies and the nonbleaching near‐infrared fluorescence (850–1700 nm) of SWCNTs. These conjugates allow us to track single Kinesin‐5‐GFP motor proteins in developing embryos of Drosophila melanogaster. Additionally, they are sensitive to the neurotransmitter dopamine and can be used for targeted sensing of dopamine in the nm regime.     

Formation and Electrical Evaluation of a Single Metallized DNA Nanowire in a Nanochannel

A novel fabrication process was developed for a single silver nanowire using DNA metallization in a nanochannel, and the electrical properties of this nanowire were evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. After being isolated using a nanochannel measuring 500 nm in depth and 500 nm in width, a single λDNA molecule was electrostatically stretched and immobilized between two electrodes separated by a gap of 15 μm by applying an AC voltage of 1 MHz and 20 V_p‐p. Then, naphthalene diimide molecules terminally‐labeled with galactose moieties were intercalated into the λDNA, and the reduction of silver ions along the λDNA led to its metallization with silver. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that two nanowires having different average widths of 154 nm and 250 nm were formed in two individual nanochannels. The nanowires showed the linear current‐voltage characteristics, and their combined resistance was estimated to be 45.5 Ω. The complex impedance of the nanowires was measured, and an equivalent circuit was obtained as a series connection of a resistance and a parallel resistance‐constant phase element circuit. Impedance analysis revealed that the nanowire included silver grain boundaries, and the bulk resistivity of silver grain was estimated to be 8.35×10^?8 Ωm.     

Enhanced photoluminescence from very thin double-wall carbon nanotubes synthesized by the zeolite-CCVD method

Photoluminescence (PL) from purified (>90%) double-wall carbon nanotubes (DWNTs), which have been synthesized by zeolite catalyst-supported chemical vapor deposition (zeolite-CCVD), of very small diameters (0.8-nm average inner tube) is reported. The PL contour mappings for various ratios (1-90%) of double- versus single-wall carbon nanotubes by thermal oxidation have enabled us to unambiguously identify the chirality of inner tubes for the DWNTs synthesized. After the extensive high-temperature oxidation at 700 degrees C, high-purity (>90%) DWNTs of approximately 0.8 nm inner diameter are obtained, and most of these correspond to the DWNTs having inner tubes with chiralities of (7,5), (7,6), and (9,4).     

Organosilica nanotubes: large-scale synthesis and encapsulation of metal nanoparticles

In this communication we have demonstrated the synthesis of organosilica nanotubes with inner diameter of ～6 nm and their carbonization to form carbon/silica composite nanotubes. Pd nanoparticles. encapsulated in the organosilica and carbon/silica nanotubes show different catalytic activities in the hydrogenation of cyclohexene.     

SiOx纳米管的制备及其发光特性

Amorphous SiOx nanotubes with homogeneous diameters were fabricated in large-scale on silicon substrate by thermal evaporation method, with liquid gallium as medium. The average diameter of tubes is about 80 nm and the length is more than 10 1m, with small ratio between the inner and outer diameter of the tube. The silicon element in the substrate and the residual oxygen element in reaction chamber were first dissolved into liquid Ga. Then the SiOx precipitated from the surface of gallium droplet, forming the nanotube structure with Ga droplet being the center. The room temperature photoluminescence measurements under excitation at 260 nm show that the SiOx nanotubes has a strong blue emission at 453 nm with two shoulders at 410 and 480 nm respectively, which may be related to oxygen defects. The preparation method improved the traditional complicated method and also provided a new way to fabricate SiOx nanotubes in large quantity.     

Tuning of redox properties of iron and iron oxides via encapsulation within carbon nanotubes

We report the tuning of the redox properties of iron and iron oxide nanoparticles by encapsulation within carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with varying inner diameters. Raman spectroscopy was employed to investigate the interaction of the encapsulated nanoparticles with the CNTs. A red shift of the Fe-O mode is observed in the nanoparticles deposited on the outer CNT surfaces with respect to bulk Fe2O3. However, this mode is found to be stepwise blue-shifted with decreasing inner diameter in the CNT-encapsulated Fe2O3 nanoparticles, suggesting an enhanced interaction of Fe2O3 with the inner CNT surface as its curvature increases. The autoreduction of the encapsulated Fe2O3 is significantly facilitated inside CNTs with respect to the outside nanoparticles. Interestingly, it becomes more facile with decreasing CNT channel diameter as evidenced by temperature programmed reaction, in situ XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The oxidation of encapsulated metallic Fe nanoparticles on the other hand is retarded in comparison to that of the outside Fe particles as shown by in situ XRD and gravimetrical measurements with an online microbalance. We attribute this tunable redox behavior of transition metal nanoparticles inside CNTs to a particular electronic interaction of the encapsulates with the interior CNT surface, which stabilizes the metallic state of Fe.     

Nanofluidic channels by anodic bonding of amorphous silicon to glass to study ion-accumulation and ion-depletion effect

A unique phenomenon, ion-enrichment and ion-depletion effect, exists in nanofluidic channels and is observed in amorphous silicon (α-Si) nanochannels as shallow as 50 nm. As a voltage is applied across a nanochannel, ions are rapidly enriched at one end and depleted at the other end of the nanochannel. α-Si is deposited on glass by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and is selectively etched to form nanochannels. The depth of nanochannels is defined by the thickness of the α-Si layer. Low temperature anodic bonding of α-Si to glass was used to seal the channel with a second glass wafer. The strength of the anodic bond was optimized by the introduction of a silicon nitride adhesion promoting layer and double-sided bonding resulting from the electric field reversal. Completed channels, 50 nm in depth, 5 micron wide, and 1 mm long were completely and reliably sealed. Structures based on nanochannels 50-300 nm deep were successfully incorporated into nanofluidic devices to investigate ionic accumulation and depletion effect due to overlapping of electric double layer.     

Bulk synthesis of linear carbon chains confined inside single-wall carbon nanotubes by vacuum discharge

Carbyne, an infinite carbon chain, has attracted much interest and induced significant controversy for many decades. Recently, the presence of linear carbon chains (LCCs), which were confined stably inside double-wall carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), has been reported. In this study, we present a novel method to produce LCCs in a film of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Our transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy revealed the formation of a bulk amount of LCCs after electric discharge of CNT films, which were used as field emission cathodes. The LCCs were confined inside single-wall CNTs as well as DWCNTs. Furthermore, two or three LCCs in parallel with each other are encapsulated when the inner diameter of CNT is larger than approximately 1.1 nm.     

Synthesis of Eu2O3 nanotube arrays through a facile sol-gel template approach

Eu2O3 nanotubes have been successfully fabricated by an improved sol-gel template method within the nanochannels of porous anodic alumina templates. The morphology, structure, and composition of the nanotubes were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction techniques, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and selected-area electron diffraction. The results show that the Eu2O3 nanotubes are polycrystalline with a cubic structure. The outer diameter of nanotubes is 50-80 nm, and the thickness of the tube wall is about 5 nm. The mechanism of nanotube formation was discussed.     

Solvation dynamics of coumarin 153 in alcohols confined in silica nanochannels

Solvation dynamics in alcohols confined in silica nanochannels was examined by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy using coumarin 153 (C153) as a fluorescent probe. Surfactant-templated mesoporous silica was fabricated inside the pores of an anodic alumina membrane. The surfactant was removed by calcination to give mesoporous silica (Cal-NAM) containing one-dimensional (1D) silica nanochannels (diameter, 3.1 nm) whose inner surface was covered with silanol groups. By treating Cal-NAM with trimethylchlorosilane, trimethylsilyl (TMS) groups were formed on the inner surface of the silica nanochannels (TMS-NAM). Fluorescence dynamic Stokes shifts of C153 were measured in alcohols (ethanol, butanol, hexanol, and decanol) confined in the silica nanochannels of Cal- and TMS-NAMs, and the time-dependent fluorescence decay profiles could be best fitted by a biexponential function. The estimated solvent relaxation times were much larger than those observed in bulk alcohols for both Cal- and TMS-NAMs when ethanol or butanol was used as a solvent, indicating that the mobility of these alcohol molecules was restricted within the silica nanochannels. However, hexanol or decanol in Cal- and TMS-NAMs did not cause a remarkable increase in the solvent relaxation time in contrast to ethanol or butanol. Therefore, it was concluded that a relatively rigid assembly of alcohols (an alcohol chain) was formed within the silica nanochannels by hydrogen bonding interaction and van der Waals force between the surface functional groups of the silica nanochannels and alcohol molecules and by the successive interaction between alcohol molecules when alcohol with a short alkyl chain (ethanol or butanol) was used as a solvent.     

Conformation and molecular dynamics of single polystyrene chain confined in coordination nanospace

Molecules confined in nanospaces will have distinctly different properties to those in the bulk state because of the formation of specific molecular assemblies and conformations. We studied the chain conformation and dynamics of single polystyrene (PSt) chains confined in highly regular one-dimensional nanochannels of a porous coordination polymer [Zn 2(bdc) 2ted] n ( 1; bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, ted = triethylenediamine). Characterization by two-dimensional (2D) heteronuclear (1)H- (13)C NMR gave a direct demonstration of the nanocomposite formation and the intimacy between the PSt and the pore surfaces of 1. Calorimetric analysis of the composite did not reveal any glass transition of PSt, which illustrates the different nature of the PSt encapsulated in the nanochannels compared with that of bulk PSt. From N 2 adsorption measurements, the apparent density of PSt in the nanochannel was estimated to be 0.55 g cm (-3), which is much lower than that of bulk PSt. Results of a solid-state (2)H NMR study of the composite showed the homogeneous mobility of phenyl flipping with significantly low activation energy, as a result of the encapsulation of single PSt chains in one-dimensional regular crystalline nanochannels. This is also supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.     

Pressure-driven flow control system for nanofluidic chemical process

We developed a novel flow control system for a nanofluidic chemical process. Generally, flow control in nanochannels is difficult because of its high-pressure loss with very small volume flow rate. In our flow control method, liquid pressure in a microchannel connected to the nanochannels is regulated by utilizing a backpressure regulator. The flow control method was verified by using simple structured microchip, which included parallel nanochannels. We found that the observed flow rate was three times lower than the value expected from Hagen-Poiseuille's equation. That implied a size-dependent viscosity change in the nanochannels. Then, we demonstrated mixing of two different fluorescent solutions in a Y-shaped nanochannel and also a proton exchange reaction in the Y-shaped nanochannel. The flow control method will contribute to further integration of nanochemical systems.     

应用功能化的金纳米通道分离阿特拉津和百草枯

将金(Ⅰ)通过化学沉积法于4℃经9h使之沉积于聚碳酸酯滤膜(孔径100nm)的内孔壁上,从而制得金纳米通道膜。经清洗并干燥后的膜在十八烷基硫醇[CH3(CH2)16CH2SH](0.1+99.9)溶液中浸泡12h,从而使金纳米通道膜被十八烷基硫醇修饰(将此膜简写作C18SH-Mem)并使其呈疏水性。试验在分离装置的样品池中加入阿特拉津和百草枯两种农药的混合溶液,并使其通过C18H37SH-Mem,经过一定时间后,在膜另一端的检测池中对上述两农药分别在222nm及257nm波长处进行检测。结果表明:在检测池中只测得疏水性的阿特拉津而未能测得百草枯,说明亲水性的百草枯不能在疏水性的经修饰的金纳米通道中迁移。据此,应用修饰后的金纳米通道可达到上述两农药的完全分离。     

Self-Assembly of a Pyridine-Based Amphiphile Complexed with Regioisomeric Dihydroxy Naphthalenes into Supramolecular Nanotubes with Different Inner Diameters

A pyridine-based amphiphile complexed with 1,5-, 1,6-, 2,6-, or 2,7-dihydroxy naphthalene self-assembled in water to form nanotubes with inner diameters of 46, 38, 24, 18, and 11 nm in which the naphthalene molecules formed J-type aggregates. In contrast, the amphiphile complexed with 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4-, 1,7-, 1,8-, or 2,3-dihydroxy naphthalene formed nanofibers in which the naphthalene molecules formed H-type aggregates. The inner diameter of the nanotubes strongly depended on the regioisomeric dihydroxy naphthalene. UV–vis, fluorescence, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry showed that nanotubes with smaller inner diameters had weaker intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the tilted amphiphiles complexed with the naphthalene molecules within the membrane walls and showed larger Stokes shifts in the excimer fluorescence of the naphthalene moiety. These findings should be useful not only for fine-tuning the inner diameters of supramolecular nanotubes but also for controlling the aggregation states of functional aromatic molecules to generate nanostructures with useful optical and electronic properties in water.     

纳米受限下溶质水化结构的分子模拟

利用分子动力学模拟研究了五种不同种类的溶质分子(K+, Mg2+, Cl-, K-和K0)在直径为0.60-1.28 nm的纳米碳管内的水化结构. 模拟结果揭示了单电荷溶质、双电荷溶质和中性溶质在受限条件下具有不同的水化行为. 单价溶质的配位数只有在直径不大于0.73 nm的纳米碳管内才会明显减少. 和带有电荷的溶质不同, 中性溶质的配位数对纳米碳管直径的改变非常敏感, 并且随着管径的减小而迅速减少. 模拟结果还表明带单价正电荷的溶质(K+)第一配位层水分子的取向结构会随着纳米碳管直径的改变发生变化, 而其他溶质配位层取向结构在本文所涉及的纳米碳管内都几乎和体相中一致. 在直径大于1.0 nm的纳米碳管中, K+的配位层取向结构有序度随着管径的减小而单调下降, 但是在直径小于1.0 nm的纳米碳管中, 随着碳管管径的减小而迅速上升. 在两个最窄的纳米碳管内, 其结构有度甚至高于体相. 双电荷溶质的水化结构在本文所研究的碳管直径范围内和体相完全一致, 即使在直径只有0.6 nm的碳管内也无任何改变.     

Synthesis of alumina nanotubes using carbon nanotubes as templates

Alumina nanotubes have been fabricated using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as templates at 1473 K. The Al₂O₃ nanotubes are polycrystals. They are less than 100 nm in outer diameter and tens of nanometer in inner diameter, which is close to the outer diameters of the templates. Under certain conditions, AlN and Al₂O₃ nanowires can also be fabricated in this reaction system. Discussions on the growth mechanisms of these nanotubes and nanowires are presented.