Objective This research proposal is aimed to investigate, by means of light scattering and other optical investigation methods, self-aggregation effects and interparticle interactions in solutions of bio-functionalized surfactants.These compounds have an amphiphilic structure with biologically-inspired head groups (made for instance by a small number of nucleosides). As a consequence, they behave as 'smart' molecules capable of specific molecular recognition of a complementary head-group sequence, which makes them particularly appealing for the development of bio-nanotechnologies.Indeed, by appropriate control of the chemical functionalities codified in molecular structure, bio-functionalized amphiphiles self-assembly as micellar systems, vescicles, microemulsions, 'living polymers', or chiral structures, and can be used to design host-guest complexes and systems for enzymatic confinement.Main goal of the project is trying and establishing a link between the collective, non-specific, large-scale self-assembly phenomena that are usually investigated by soft matter scientists, and the short-range molecular specificity effects commonly seen as the driving force for association in biological fluids. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAnatural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicssoft matter physicsnatural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences Keywords Colloids Dynamic Light Scattering Micelles Microemulsions Molecular Recognition Self Organisation Small angle and X-ray diffusion Smart Materials Soft Matter Programme(s) FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006 Topic(s) MOBILITY-4.1 - Marie Curie European Reintegration Grants (ERG) Call for proposal FP6-2004-MOBILITY-11 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERG - Marie Curie actions-European Re-integration Grants Coordinator SOFT MATTER LABORATORY - NUCLEAR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT (DIPARTIMENTO DI INGEGNERIA NUCLEARE) POLYTECHNIC OF MILAN (POLITECNICO DI MILANO) Address Via ponzio, 34/3 Milano Italy See on map EU contribution € 0,00
