Gold nanoparticle self-assembly in saturated phospholipid monolayers.

Self-assembly of nanostructures on surfaces is a promising area in the emerging field of "bottom-up nanolithography". We describe a systematic analysis of hydrophobically capped gold nanoparticle (Au NP) assemblies created within monolayers of saturated phospholipids deposited at the air/water interface. We show that the Au NPs are segregated within the mixed monolayers, forming distinct configurations.

Gold nanostructures in diacetylene monolayer templates.

A new "bottom-up" approach for the construction of gold nanostructure assemblies through the use of diacetylene templates at the air/water interface is described. Condensed diacetylene Langmuir monolayers constrain Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the water surface. The Au NPs adopt distinct configurations, including nanowires and "nanoislets", depending upon the properties and molecular structures of the diacetylene monomers.