Functionalization of ultrashort carbon nanotubes

• Grant number: 14/11327-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2014
• End date: July 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Eudes Eterno Fileti
• Grantee: André Luiz Costa de Arruda
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In this project we will employ molecular dynamics simulations to describe, at atomistic resolution, the non-covalent functionalization of ultrashort carbon nanotubes antimicrobial peptides. As amino acids have a wide range of properties, such as hydrophobic character, aromatic surface area and propensity for secondary structures, they offer a unique perspective for functionalization of carbon nanotubes, in particular ultrashort nanotubes. Here, we consider the polypeptides formed by amino acids lysine and arginine, of the AnK type. These polypeptides are amphiphilic and have antibacterial activity so that the nanotube functionalization of these peptides lead to solubilization of the nanotube besides conferring to this antibiotic activity.