Self Assembled Nanotubes and Methods for Preparation Thereof

Abstract

The invention concerns the synthesis of nanotubes and nanocarpets by the spontaneous self-assembly of single chain achiral diacetylenes The monomer units may be cross-linked by UV irradiation to form stable supramolecular assemblies. The nanotubes of the invention, which are remarkably homogeneous in length and diameter, exhibit chromogenic and antibacterial properties.

1 . A nanotube having a uniform diameter wherein the nanotube assembles via non-covalent self assembly of single chain non-chiral diacetylenic amphiphilic monomer molecules. 
     
     
         2 . A nanotube comprising at least one single chain non-chiral diacetylenic amphiphile amphiphilic monomer. 
     
     
         3 . A plurality of nanotubes according to  claim 2  wherein said nanotubes are of uniform size. 
     
     
         4 . The nanotube of  claim 2  wherein said monomer comprises the general formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein a and b are from about 5 to 15; R is a linking group comprising linear or branched alkyl or aromatic chains that optionally contain O or N; R′ is H or a linear or branched alkyl or aromatic chain that optionally contains O or N; n is an integer from 1 to 3, wherein each R′ is the same or different when n is 2 or 3; X is F, Cl, Br, I, CF 3 SO 3  or CF 3 CO 2 , and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The nanotube of  claim 4  wherein X is Br. 
     
     
         6 . The nanotube of  claim 4  wherein n is 1. 
     
     
         7 . The nanotube of  claim 6  wherein X is Br. 
     
     
         8 . A nanocarpet structure comprising a structured arrangement of two or more nanotubes comprising a single chain non-chiral diacetylenic amphiphilic monomer. 
     
     
         9 . The nanocarpet of  claim 8  wherein said nanotubes contain monomeric material having the formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein a and b are integers from about 5 to 15; R is a linking group comprising a linear alkyl, a branched alkyl, or aromatic chains that optionally contain oxygen or nitrogen; R′ is H or a linear or branched alkyl or aromatic chain that optionally contains O or N; n is an integer from 1 to 3, wherein each R′ is the same or different when n is 2 or 3; and X is F, Cl, Br, I, CF 3 SO 3 . CF 3 CO 2 , and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The nanocarpet of  claim 9  wherein X is Br. 
     
     
         11 . The nanocarpet of  claim 9  wherein n is 1. 
     
     
         12 . The nanotube of any one of  claims 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  wherein said nanotube has antimicrobial activity 
     
     
         13 . The nanocarpet of  claim 8  wherein said nanocarpet has antimicrobial activity. 
     
     
         14 . The nanotube of any one of  claims 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  wherein said nanotube is capable of being attached to a surface of a carrier. 
     
     
         15 . The nanotube of  claim 14  wherein said carrier is a bacterial cell. 
     
     
         16 . A plurality of nanotubes according to any one of  claims 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  wherein said nanotubes are of uniform diameter and length. 
     
     
         17 . The nanotube of any one of  claims 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  wherein said nanotube has a flower-like structure. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method of forming nanotubes comprising:
 converting 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid to a succinimidyl ester in the presence of N-hydroxysuccinimide and 1-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide;   adding said succinimidyl ester to an excess of ethylene diamine;   quarternizing the resulting amide with ethyl bromide in chloroform/nitromethane (1:1) at room temperature;   evaporating the reaction solvents chloroform and nitromethane;   dissolving the product in chloroform; and   adding hexane to form said nanotubes.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising drying said nanotubes. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising sonicating said nanotubes, and then drying the same. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising sonicating said nanotubes, polymerizing the same by employing ultraviolet light, and then drying the polymerized nanotubes. 
     
     
         24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . Polymerized nanotubes produced by the polymerization by ultraviolet light of the nanotubes of any one of  claims 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 . 
     
     
         27 . The polymerized nanotubes of  claim 26  wherein the polymerized nanotubes are a chromogenic material. 
     
     
         28 . The polymerized nanotubes of  claim 26  wherein the nanotubes are capable of associating with the outer surface of a bacterial cell. 
     
     
         29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . (canceled)