Novel routes to nano-metamaterials using a synthetic biology approach

Cullinan, Rachael ORCID: 0000-0003-4503-9286 (2020). Novel routes to nano-metamaterials using a synthetic biology approach. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Here a report shows a new class of biological three-dimensional (3D) metamaterials (MM) architected from M13 bacteriophage, using a facile and scalable evaporative front deposition methodology (EFD). The highly anisotropic structures achieved tuneable negative refraction from the visible to the mid-infrared (MIR) ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Optical MM are considered composite materials in which sub-wavelength features, engineered from constituent materials, can control the macroscopic electromagnetic properties of the material. EFD afforded architecture of one-dimensional (1D) arrays of 3D ridges on substrate surfaces, whereby transmission, reflection, optical imaging and modelling were utilised to further characterise topography, and also demonstrate their activity as optical MM, in particular as negative index materials (NIM). Therefore, a new class of biological MM with exciting potential for defence systems and wave guiding over a tuneable wavelength range has been proposed.

The high surface area and loading capacity, provided by the hierarchical internal structure, allowed for pre-templating surface modifications of M13 to display functional nanomaterials. This extra functionality of the 3D architecture to act as a colorimetric detection system, highlights the flexibility of the dynamic system to be tailored towards a multitude of research areas, from cloaking to diagnostics and drug delivery.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):