Building Nanobristle Structures

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01/09/2009

Jan. 09, 2009

Building Nanobristle Structures

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Watch the Video - Nano Hairs Twist Into Tiny Dreadlocks »

Researchers studying nanoscale structures have found materials that assemble themselves into spirals, capable of holding tightly to each other or to materials in their center. The formation process is driven by the evaporation of liquid surrounding the bristles. Varying the conditions involved can result in tightly coiled 'nanonests,' woven 'nanobraids,' and other shapes. The researchers say the clutches of the structures can also be controllably opened and closed, offering the possibility of some sort of tiny gripper. We'll talk with one of the scientists on the project.

Produced by Flora Lichtman, Correspondent and Managing Editor, Video

Guests

Joanna Aizenberg
Gordon McKay Professor of Materials Science

Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Discussion

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