In Situ Production of Biofunctionalized Few‐Layer Defect‐Free Microsheets of Graphene |
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Authors: | Alfredo M Gravagnuolo Eden Morales‐Narváez Sara Longobardi Everson T da Silva Paola Giardina Arben Merkoçi |
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Affiliation: | 1. ICN2 – Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Barcelona, Spain;2. Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II,”, Naples, Italy;3. ICREA – Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Barcelona, Spain |
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Abstract: | Biological interfacing of graphene has become crucial to improve its biocompatibility, dispersability, and selectivity. However, biofunctionalization of graphene without yielding defects in its sp2‐carbon lattice is a major challenge. Here, a process is set out for biofunctionalized defect‐free graphene synthesis through the liquid phase ultrasonic exfoliation of raw graphitic material assisted by the self‐assembling fungal hydrophobin Vmh2. This protein (extracted from the edible fungus Pleurotus ostreatus) is endowed with peculiar physicochemical properties, exceptional stability, and versatility. The unique properties of Vmh2 and, above all, its superior hydrophobicity, and stability allow to obtain a highly concentrated (≈440–510 μg mL?1) and stable exfoliated material (ζ‐potential, +40/+70 mV). In addition controlled centrifugation enables the selection of biofunctionalized few‐layer defect‐free micrographene flakes, as assessed by Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electrophoretic mobility. This biofunctionalized product represents a high value added material for the emerging applications of graphene in the biotechnological field such as sensing, nanomedicine, and bioelectronics technologies. |
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Keywords: | biofunctionalized graphene bionanotechnology graphene production self‐assembling |
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