Active Polymer-Functionalized Nanopores (ACTIVE NANOPORES)

Research Project, 2012 – 2016

The project aims to develop, characterize and utilize nanopores functionalized with polymers. A new type of active nanopores with incorporated metal film electrodes will be fabricated. In contrast to existing nanopores, this enables electrochemical control and plasmonic readout of the contents inside the pore.Parallel to fabrication and characterization of active nanopores, the project will investigate the behaviour of stimuli responsive polymers using electrochemical plasmonic sensors. Such polymers undergo conformational changes (phase transitions) in response to changes in the local environment (e.g. pH or temperature). The phase transitions can be induced by electrochemistry.By functionalizing the active nanopores with responsive polymers, the permeability of the pores can be controlled by simple electrical signals. This is because local changes in the chemical environment, induced by electrochemical potentials, can induce phase changes in the polymers. This leads to new applications such as tunable permeability and electrically controlled gating. The excitation of surface plasmons in the metal films offers the possibility to monitor nanopore functionalization and also to detect conformational changes in the polymers.It is explained how the CIG grant will strongly help the applicant to estblish independent, original and high quality research activities at the host. The applicant is currently starting his evaluation period of four years at the host. The grant will strongly improve the chances for the applicant to be integrated at the host and start a successful long lasting career.