Transmission electron microscopy images of Cu nanoparticles (left), Cu2O nanoparticles (middle), and CuS nanoplates (right)… The biocomposites consist of copper and cystine, with either copper nanoparticles (CNPs) or copper sulfate contributing the metallic component. Credit: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00216-009-3203-0
1st time discovery of a new nanocomposite via copper and biological component self-assembly under physiological conditions could be used in targeted drug delivery for fighting diseases such as cancer.
The Louisiana Tech team has also discovered a way for this synthesis to be carried out in liquid form. This would allow for controlling the scale of the synthesis up or down, and to grow structures. “We are currently investigating how this new material interacts with cells,” said Dr. DeCoster. Beside CA drug delivery, the copper component would allow interesting electronics, energy, or optics applications that could impact consumer products. In addition, copper has some interesting and useful antimicrobial features.
“Finally, as the recent environmental spill of mining waste into river systems showed us, metals, including copper, can sometimes make their way into freshwater systems, so our newly discovered metal-composite methods could provide a way to “bind up” unwanted copper into a useful or more stable form.”
Besides stability in liquid or dry form for many yrs, DeCoster’s group was very surprised these composites are resistant to agglomeration. “This is of benefit because it allows us to work with individual structures in order to separate or modify them chemically,” explains DeCoster. “When materials stick together and clump, as many do, it is much harder to work with them in a logical way. Both of these aspects, however, fit with our hypothesis that the self-assembly that we have discovered is putting positively charged copper together with negatively charged sulfur-containing cystine.”
He and his team are speaking with collaborators about how to test these new nanocomposites for applications in bioengineering and larger composites such as materials that would be large enough to be hand-held. “We are currently making these materials on an ‘as needed’ basis, knowing that they can be stored once generated, and if we discover new uses for the nanocomposites, then applications for the materials could lead to income generation through a start-up company that I have formed.” http://news.latech.edu/2015/08/24/louisiana-tech-researchers-discover-synthesis-of-a-new-nanomaterial/
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