The MSU NIRT (Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Teams) program is an NSF funded program studying the development of protein cage architectures as size and shape constranied templates for nanomaterials synthesis. The focus of this Montana State University (MSU) NIRT is the development of protein cage architectures as size and shape constrained templates for nanomaterials synthesis. A deepening understanding of these systems has led to an appreciation that protein cage dynamics plays an important role in the overall properties of the nanomaterials. The central focus of this NIRT is to examine how particle confinement and protein cage dynamics at active interfaces controls nanomaterials synthesis and material functionality. The long-term goal is to use this knowledge to guide the development of a new generation of active and responsive nanomaterials.

The biological world is increasingly recognized as an important inspiration and source of raw materials for nanomaterials fabrication. The high fidelity of biological materials is made possible through hierarchical assembly mediated by molecular interactions that span the molecular to macroscopic length scales. From the nanomaterials point of view, a truly unique aspect of biological systems is that they are both active and responsive to their environments. It is this aspect around which the proposed NIRT is centered.

The project is divided into three integrated components: Active Interfaces, Cage Dynamics, and Confinement.

Active Interfaces is focused on directing interactions for defined chemical synthesis using hard-soft interfaces, particle-surface interactions and controlled hierarchical assembly. Cage Dynamics is centered around understanding and directing inherent and engineered cage dynamics to control material confinement, directed self-assembly, and particle-particle interactions. The Confinement thrust integrates the Active Interfaces and Cage Dynamics to explore their consequences on the physical properties of individual and collections of particles. This highly interdisciplinary approach is a platform for the training of graduate (and undergraduate) students, the development of public outreach, and education all of which are integrated with the research efforts.

NIRT Team:
Trevor Douglas, Chemistry, PI
Brian Bothner, Chemistry, Co-PI
Yves Idzerda, Physics, Co-PI
Mark Young, Plant Sciences, Co-PI

Funded by an Award from the National Science Foundation #CBET-0709358

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