In situ production of biofunctionalized few-layer defect-free microsheets of graphene
Gravagnuolo, Alfredo M. (Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia)
Morales-Narváez, Eden (Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia)
Longobardi, Sara (Università Federico II di Napoli. Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche)
Da Silva, Everson T. (Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia)
Giardina, Paola (Università Federico II di Napoli. Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche)
Merkoçi, Arben (Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia)

Date:	2015
Abstract:	Biological interfacing of graphene has become crucial to improve its biocompatibility, dispersability, and selectivity. However, biofunctionalization of graphene without yielding defects in its sp²-carbon lattice is a major challenge. Here, a process is set out for biofunctionalized defect-free graphene synthesis through the liquid phase ultrasonic exfoliation of raw graphitic material assisted by the self-assembling fungal hydrophobin Vmh2. This protein (extracted from the edible fungus Pleurotus ostreatus) is endowed with peculiar physicochemical properties, exceptional stability, and versatility. The unique properties of Vmh2 and, above all, its superior hydrophobicity, and stability allow to obtain a highly concentrated (≈440-510 μg mL⁻¹) and stable exfoliated material (ζ-potential, +40/+70 mV). In addition controlled centrifugation enables the selection of biofunctionalized few-layer defect-free micrographene flakes, as assessed by Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electrophoretic mobility. This biofunctionalized product represents a high value added material for the emerging applications of graphene in the biotechnological field such as sensing, nanomedicine, and bioelectronics technologies.
Grants:	Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad SEV-2013-0295
Rights:	Tots els drets reservats.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió acceptada per publicar
Subject:	Biofunctionalized graphene ; Bionanotechnology ; Graphene production ; Self-assembling
Published in:	Advanced functional materials, Vol. 25, issue 18 (May 2015) , p. 2771-2779, ISSN 1616-3028

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201500016

Postprint 35 p, 1.5 MB

The record appears in these collections:
Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Experimental sciences > Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles