Mechanically tough, electrically conductive polyethylene oxide nanofiber web incorporating DNA-wrapped double-walled carbon nanotubes

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2013 May 22;5(10):4150-4. doi: 10.1021/am400715u. Epub 2013 May 3.

Abstract

Electrospun biopolymer-derived nanofiber webs are promising scaffolds for growing tissue and cells. However, the webs are mechanically weak and electrically insulating. We have synthesized a polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofiber web that is pliable, tough, and electrically conductive, by incorporating optically active, DNA-wrapped, double-walled carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes were individually trapped along the length of the PEO nanofiber and acted as mechanically reinforcing filler and an electrical conductor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Nanofibers*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • DNA