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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
A Technique to Functionalize and Self-assemble Macroscopic Nanoparticle-ligand Monolayer Films onto Template-free Substrates
Published on: May 9, 2014
Silver nanoparticles assemblies mediated by functionalized biomimetic oligomers
1Department of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003-6688, USA. gm92@ufl.edu
Abstract:
The interaction between biopolymers and metal nanoparticles (AgNPs) is a key element in the development of biomimetic nanomaterials with applications in catalysis, delivery, and recognition. Here we report a facile method for the functionalization of AgNPs by N-substituted glycine oligomers, "peptoids." Based on the established affinity between phenanthroline ligand and Ag(0), we synthesized a peptoid bearing 1,10-phenanthroline at the N-terminus (PHP). Treatment of AgNPs that were pre-stabilized by citrate ions, with PHP, leads to the formation of aggregates as suggested by UV-vis spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the replacement of citrate ions by PHP yields spherical assemblies of AgNPs. These peptoids/AgNPs hybrids, as well as the ability of functional biomimetic oligomers to mediate the assembly of metal nanoparticles, hold potential for applications in sensor materials, biology, and catalysis.
