Researchers at Tel Aviv University set out to find a cure to Alzheimer's and ended up with a nanotech breakthrough that could mean better solar and battery power.
Molecular microbiology and biotech professor Ehud Gazit and his team research ways to control peptide atoms and molecules. People with Alheimer's disease have a peptide called beta amyloid found in the plaques that form in their brains. While working on self-assembling nano-tubules in the lab, the scientists made an interesting discovery.
They got the peptides to self-assemble in a vacuum, forming tiny tubes that look like grass. The resulting nanocoating repels dust and water, which would be useful for protecting desert solar arrays, reducing maintenance. Plus, the material has potential as a super-capacitor, which could give lithium batteries more kick. The assembly technique is detailed in Nature Nanotechnology (abstract).
The scientists don't plan to produce the coating itself, but a manufacturer has approached them about commercializing the technology. Meanwhile, drug-maker Merck has a contract with Gazit for continued Alzheimer's research. If this nanotech succeeds across the board, it would be huge indeed.
Photo: Tel Aviv University's peptide forest. Credit: American Friends of Tel Aviv University.
Tags: Green Tech, Modern Medicine, Nanomaterials, Nanotech, Solar Power
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