Stable Polymer Nanotubes Poses Biotech Potential

Filed in archive Nanomedicine on February 8, 2006

This entry is submitted by Gloria Gamat, via Creative Reporter.Polymer nanotubes that are unusually long (about 1 centimeter) as well as stable enough to maintain their shape indefinitely has been created by Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

A new paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Full text available as
pdf file), states that the NIST nanotubes may have biotechnology applications as channels for tiny volumes of chemicals in nanofluidic reactor devices (for example) or as the "world's smallest hypodermic needles" for injecting molecules one at a time.

Carbon nanotubes are of high interest in nanotechnology research, especially for making ultrastrong fibers and other structures.

Nanotubes made from other materials are used for transport in biochemical applications, but are typically fragile and usually collapse within a few hours.

The NIST team developed processes for extending the shelf life of polymer nanotubes--considered essential for commercial applications--and forming sturdy nanotube network structures.

The nanotubes maintain their shape even after several weeks of storage, and can be removed from the liquid solution and placed on a dry surface or in a different container.

Source: EurekAlertPhoto: Low-resolution (Left) and high-resolution (Right) TEM images of cross-linked polymer nanotubes, Credit: Reiner et al.About Gloria Gamat: Gloria is a proud single-mom to Raine (Rainier Brando: born 29 December 2002) and a Chemist. Gloria also blogs about motherhood at EMothersOnline and about life and travel in the Philippines at The Philippine Culture Blog and at Pinoy Travel Blog respectively.