Nanoparticles: Scaffolds and building blocks

ORGN 344

Vincent M. Rotello, rotello@chem.umass.edu, Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, 710 North Pleasant, Amherst, MA 01003
Monolayer-Protected Clusters (MPCs) and Mixed Monolayer-Protected Clusters (MMPCs) provide versatile tools for nanotechnology. In our research, we use these nanoparticles as building blocks for the creation of catalysts and functional magnetic and electronic nanocomposites materials. Simultaneously, we are exploiting the size (similar to that of proteins) and self-templating capabilities of these systems for biomacromolecule recognition. In this research, we have demonstrated effective DNA recognition, gene delivery, as well regulation of protein structure and function.