Research in the Reed laboratory is centered in an emerging scientific field at the interface between chemistry, biology, and nanotechnology. Biological systems have evolved to function with great precision on the nanometer scale and provide inspiration for the molecular design of nanostructures.
One project in the lab utilizes nanometer sized metallic particles. Such nanoparticles alter the optical properties of adjacent chromophores, acting as antennae for absorbed and emitted light. In this project, biopolymers, such as DNA, are used to connect fluorophores to metal particles at defined distances, allowing for the systematic study of metal-fluorophore interactions. From this we can design molecular sensors for the fluorescent detection of specific proteins, DNA, or environmental pollutants.
Another project involves the preparation of mimics of cellular structures. Cells have evolved to efficiently utilize energy for motility, reproduction, and synthesis of proteins and chemicals, all while efficiently managing energy utilization and waste production. They are the ultimate nanoscale factory. Simple mimics of cells can be useful for designing more efficient methods of chemical synthesis with intrinsic waste management capability. Such environmentally benign or green chemistry can play a role in minimizing chemical hazards to individuals and the environment.
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"Tuning the Electrical Properties of Monolayers Using Amide Bonds." Scott M. Reed, Robert S. Clegg, and James E. Hutchison, ACS Symposium Series, 2003, 844, 36.
"Phase Separation within a Binary Self-Assembled Monolayer on Au{111} Driven by an Amide-Containing Alkanethiol." Rachel K. Smith, Scott M. Reed, Jason D. Monnell, Penelope A. Lewis, Robert S. Clegg, Kevin F. Kelly, Lloyd A. Bumm, James E. Hutchison, and Paul S. Weiss, Journal of Physical Chemical B, 2001, 105, 1119.
"Improved Synthesis of Small (dCORE = 1.5nm) Phosphine-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles." Walter W. Weare, Scott M. Reed, Marvin G. Warner, and James E. Hutchison, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2000, 122, 12890-12891.
"Green Chemistry in the Organic Teaching Laboratory: An Environmentally Benign Synthesis of Adipic Acid." Scott M. Reed and James E. Hutchison, Journal of Chemical Education, 2000, 77, 1627-1629.
"Biphasic Synthesis of Thiol Stabilized Water Soluble Gold Nanoparticles." Marvin G. Warner, Scott M. Reed, and James E. Hutchison, Chemistry of Materials, 2000, 12, 3316-3320.
"Self-Assembled Monolayers Stabilized by Three-Dimensional Networks of Hydrogen Bonds." Robert S. Clegg, Scott M. Reed, and James E. Hutchison, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 1998, 120, 2486-2487.
"Scaffold-Organized Clusters and Electronic Devices Made Using Such Devices", U. S. Patent Application No. 60/191,814. James E. Hutchison, Scott M. Reed, and Martin N. Wybourne. Patent pending.
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