Nanocarpets — that is, carpets of carbon nanotubes — are undergoing development as means of trapping microscopic particles for scientific analysis. Examples of such particles include inorganic particles, pollen, bacteria, and spores. Nanocarpets can be characterized as scaled-down versions of ordinary macroscopic floor carpets, which trap dust and other particulate matter, albeit not purposefully. Nanocarpets can also be characterized as mimicking both the structure and the particle-trapping behavior of ciliated lung epithelia, the carbon nanotubes being analogous to cilia (see figure).
Carbon nanotubes can easily be chemically functionalized for selective trapping of specific particles of interest. One could, alternatively, use such other three dimensionally structured materials as aerogels and activated carbon for the purposeful trapping of microscopic particles. However, nanocarpets offer important advantages over these alternative materials:
- Nanocarpets are amenable to nonintrusive probing by optical means; and
- Nanocarpets offer greater surface-to volume ratios.
This work was done by Flavio Noca, Fei Chen, Brian Hunt, Michael Bronikowski, Michael Hoenk, Robert Kowalczyk, and Daniel Choi of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Materials category. In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
Innovative Technology Assets Management
JPL
Mail Stop 202-233
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
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Refer to NPO-30659, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
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(NANO) Nanocarpet for Trapping Microscopic Particles
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Overview
The document discusses the development and application of nanocarpets, a novel technology created at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of the California Institute of Technology, under the sponsorship of NASA. These nanocarpets are composed of carbon nanotubes and are designed to mimic the function of natural cilia found in the lungs, which trap microscopic particles such as bacteria, spores, and other particulates.
The primary motivation for creating nanocarpets stems from the need for effective techniques to trap particulates on surfaces for analytical purposes. Traditional methods have limitations, and the researchers aimed to develop a solution that could efficiently capture and analyze microscopic entities. The nanocarpets serve as biomimetic structures, replicating the trapping capabilities of ciliated epithelium in biological systems.
The document highlights the adjustable properties of the nanocarpets, including the length, diameter, density, and "curliness" of the carbon nanotubes, which can be tailored for selective trapping of specific particles. This adaptability enhances their effectiveness in various applications, such as life detection, water analysis, and environmental monitoring.
Experimental results are mentioned, including the trapping of bacterial spores, specifically Bacillus Pumilus, demonstrating the practical utility of these nanocarpets in real-world scenarios. The document also emphasizes the potential of nanocarpets in various fields, including biomedical applications and environmental science, where precise particle trapping is crucial.
In summary, the document presents a comprehensive overview of nanocarpets as an innovative solution for trapping microscopic particles, showcasing their design, functionality, and potential applications. The research represents a significant advancement in nanotechnology, with implications for improving analytical techniques and enhancing our understanding of particulate matter in various environments.
