Simultaneous Self-Assembly, Orientation, and Patterning of Peptide−Amphiphile Nanofibers by Soft Lithography

Albert M. Hung† and Samuel I. Stupp*†‡§
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3108
Nano Lett., 2007, 7 (5), pp 1165–1171
DOI: 10.1021/nl062835z
Publication Date (Web): April 21, 2007
Copyright © 2007 American Chemical Society

Abstract

Abstract Image

Self-assembled nanofibers of peptide−amphiphile molecules have been of great interest because of their bioactivity both in vitro and in vivo. In this work, we demonstrate the simultaneous self-assembly, alignment, and patterning of these nanofibers over large areas by a novel technique termed sonication-assisted solution embossing. In this soft lithographic technique, the nanostructures self-assemble by solvent evaporation while under the influence of ultrasonic agitation and confinement within the topographical features of an elastomeric stamp. The nanofibers orient parallel to the channels as they assemble out of solution, yielding bundles of aligned nanofibers on the substrate after the stamp is removed. Alignment is likely a result of steric confinement and possibly a transition to a lyotropic liquid crystalline phase as solvent evaporates. This technique is not limited to uniaxial alignment and is shown to be able to guide nanofibers around turns. Alignment of nanostructures by this method introduces the possibility of controlling macroscale cellular behavior or material properties by tuning the directionality of interactions at the nanoscale.

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History

  • Published In Issue May 09, 2007
  • Received December 5, 2006
    Revised Manuscript Received April 9, 2007

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