Intelligent Biomaterials Based on Langmuir-Blodgett Monolayer Films

Our aim is to use Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) trough technology in novel ways incorporating biological components to create new types of monolayer and multilayer materials possessing interesting electronic and optical properties. In a major focus of our research we have demonstrated an LB trough cassette approach to create ordered systems by using either a biotinylated lipid or a biotinylated polymer that first binds streptavidin protein. In a second step streptavidin binds added biotinylated phycoerythrin, a fluorescent antenna protein. For signal transduction possibilities, conducting polymers may be mixed with the biotinylated lipid in the LB monolayer film in this system. This cassette approach would allow the attachment and ordering of any biotinylated species. These techniques can yield ordered monolayer films possessing unusual optical and electronic properties for potential device applications.