(4bg) Nano-Biomaterials: Sensors, Fuel Cells and Robust Hybrid Composites Using Room-Temperature CVD

There is an essential need for a simple, reliable, and efficient technology to immobilize bio-molecules for sensor, fuel cell, energy harvesting, and bio remediation applications. Here I will go over successful different techniques to integrate soft materials (essentially biological components or carbon nanotubes) into/on hard materials (silica composites, carbon based systems, and Porous Metal films). Initially, I will show a unique tool to encapsulate almost any sensitive molecule using chemical vapor deposition of silica. The process is widely suitable to encapsulate a host of molecules including proteins, lipid bilayers, carbon nano tubes, organelles, and even whole cells. Unique interfacial interactions allow the entrapped species in a solid transparent silica matrix to perform for extended periods of time and even in harsh conditions. I will also illustrate enzyme and DNA immobilization on carbon and gold-based electrodes for sensor and bio-fuel cell application. Eventually, I will go over formation of fluid and resistive lipid bilayers on nano-porous noble metals and graphene.