(657a) Multifucntional Assemblies of Amphiphilic Nanocrystals

Metallic nanostructures with localized surface plasmon resonance arising from the collective excitation of conduction electrons have found widespread use in biosensing, bioimaging, surface-enhanced spectroscopy, drug delivery, and catalysis. LSPR spectral shifts induced by interparticle plasmonic coupling have attracted considerable research interest in controlled assembly of plasmonic nanoparticles, which, in conjugation with responsive “smart” coatings, has been exploited to detect a wide range of molecular targets and environmental factors. We have developed versatile approaches to engineer nanoparticle surface with polymer ligands and assemble the nanoparticles into well-defined structures in aqueous dispersion and at oil-water interfaces. This talk will cover synthesis and assembly of the nanoparticles and their applications in traceable drug delivery, electrochemical biosensors, and chemical catalysis.