CMU REU: Materials Research – Summer 2011 Gregory S. Rohrer, Carnegie-Mellon University, DMR 1005076

1. CMU REU: Materials Research – Summer 2011 Gregory S. Rohrer, Carnegie-Mellon University, DMR 1005076 Developing Bioactive Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Dispersions (a) (b) M. McCorry, Worcester Polytechnic University K. N. Dahl and M. F. Islam, Carnegie Mellon University Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have unique physical and electronic properties that motivates an interest for biomedical applications. One limitation for SWCNT-based biotechnology is the need for biocompatible molecules which effectively disperse unmodified SWCNTs. Ideally, such molecules would also mediate cell specific interactions. We developed SWCNT dispersions using biologically relevant proteins including bovine serum albumin, lysozyme and gamma globulin. Also, we have optimized the dispersion process to increase yield and decrease protein denaturation. Our analysis revealed that there are a set of optimal conditions that yield high quality SWCNT dispersions, while maintaining biological protein structure. This work developed new SWCNT dispersions that can be applied to cells in order to determine and control cellular localization, cytotoxicity, uptake and cellular response. 20 μm 0.6 μg/ml .06 μg/ml (c) Figure 1. (a) Schematic of an individual SWCNT dispersed by adsorbed lysozyme proteins. (b) Confocal Raman SWCNT intensity co-registered to a phase contrast image of SWCNTs-Lysozyme in a NIH-3T3 cell. (c) % yield and % decrease in alpha-helical structure of lysozyme.

2. CMU REU: Materials Research – Summer 2011 Gregory S. Rohrer, Carnegie-Mellon University, DMR 1005076 This summer, 29 undergraduates participated in our summer research program, including students funded by various programs (4 MRSEC, 5 CMU internal, and 16 REU-NSF). In the first week of the program, a lab safety course was taught along special seminar on research ethics. After five weeks, a symposium was held where all the students presented brief oral reports on their project goals, progress to date, and plans for the second half of the summer. The internship is also punctuated by additional education activities such as a weekly research seminar series. A highlight of the seminar series included a special seminar on applying for fellowships for graduate school. A final poster symposium where the students present the results of their project to faculty and graduate students ended the program. Each student also produces a written report of their project and answers a questionnaire about their experience. Awards are given out to the best research presentations at the second symposium.