Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

ECM Protein Nanofibers and Nanostructures Engineered Using Surface-initiated Assembly
Published on: April 17, 2014
Aryl-viologen pentapeptide self-assembled conductive nanofibers
David E Clarke1, Magdalena Olesińska, Tobias Mönch
1Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK. oas23@cam.ac.uk.
Abstract:
A pentapeptide sequence was functionalized with an asymmetric arylated methyl-viologen (AVI3D2) and through controllable β-sheet self-assembly, conductive nanofibers were formed. Using a combination of spectroscopic techniques and conductive atomic force microscopy, we investigated the molecular conformation of the resultant AVI3D2 fibers and how their conductivity is affected by β-sheet self-assembly. These conductive nanofibers have potential for future exploration as molecular wires in optoelectronic applications.
Related Concept Videos
Nomenclature of Aryl and Heterocyclic Amines
Conduct Disorder
Conduction System of the Heart
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...
Conduction System of the Heart
This system relies on the unique properties of nodal and Purkinje cells:...
Resistance and Conductance
Various factors impact the resistance of a conductor. Spiraling in stranded conductors increases their...
Electrical Conductivity
In a practical conductor, an applied electric field may be sustained, causing a flow of electrons, which produce a current. The differential form of the current, the current density, is related to the electric field.
More generally, it is related to the force per unit charge, which involves the...

