Synthesis and Post-Synthesis Optimization of Novel Copper Biocomposites and Exploration of Potential Applications

Previous experiments have documented the discovery of novel high-aspect ratio structures (HARS) composed of cystine and copper synthesized in a physiological environment. These HARS scale in size from nano to micro dimensions and have favorable properties such as biocompatibility, long-term stability, and non-agglomerating properties. Here we tested for: optimal synthesis conditions, stability limits, and their application to uniformly coat films. Because the HARS have an amino acid component, functionalization using layer-by-layer techniques may provide strategies for improved imaging, masking, and ordering the structures for controlled interaction with cells in 2d and 3d spaces.