Gold nanostructures and methods of use

摘要

The invention is drawn to novel nanostructures comprising hollow nanospheres and nanotubes for use as chemical sensors, conduits for fluids, and electronic conductors. The nanostructures can be used in microfluidic devices, for transporting fluids between devices and structures in analytical devices, for conducting electrical currents between devices and structure in analytical devices, and for conducting electrical currents between biological molecules and electronic devices, such as bio-microchips.

主权项

1. A synthetic nanotube, the synthetic nanotube comprising a substantially homogenous polycrystalline uniform symmetrical metal nanostructure, the synthetic nanotube being substantially hollow and having dimensions of between about 20 nm and 100 nm in diameter and at least between about 0.1 μm and 4 μm in length, the synthetic nanotube further comprising a surface and at least one detecting molecule, and wherein the detecting molecule is bound to the surface.