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Bacteriophage M13 Aggregation on a Microhole Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Substrate Produces an Anionic Current
Budi Riza Putra1,2, Katarzyna Szot-Karpińska3, Patryk Kudła3
1Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down BA2 7AY, U.K.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|January 12, 2022
Summary
This study shows M13 bacteriophage films act as anion conductors, exhibiting diode behavior in membranes. Ion transport is influenced by guest ion concentration and charge, suggesting potential for selective membranes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Bacteriophage M13 offers unique self-assembly properties for nanomaterial fabrication.
- Developing functional membranes with ion selectivity is crucial for separation technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate ion conductivity and ionic current rectification of M13 bacteriophage films on PET substrates.
- Explore potential applications in membrane technology.
Main Methods:
- M13 bacteriophage material deposited as a film onto a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate.
- Characterization of ion conductivity and ionic current rectification effects.
- Testing with aqueous acids and various cationic and anionic guest species.
Main Results:
- M13 aggregate membrane exhibits microporous anion conductor behavior under acidic conditions.
- Asymmetric deposition and semipermeability lead to anionic diode behavior with rectification ratios around 10.
- Cationic and anionic guest species induce rectification minima at different concentrations, suggesting cation exclusion effects.
Conclusions:
- M13 bacteriophage films demonstrate promising anionic diode behavior for membrane applications.
- The observed rectification is sensitive to guest ion type and concentration.
- Cation exclusion plays a significant role in the ion transport mechanism.
