Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) have created polymer nanotubes that are unusually long
(about 1 centimeter) as well as stable enough to maintain their
shape indefinitely. Described in a new paper in Proceedings of
the National Academy of Sciences, the NIST nanotubes may have
biotechnology applications as channels for tiny volumes of
chemicals in nanofluidic reactor devices, for example, or as the
"world's smallest hypodermic needles" for injecting molecules
one at a time. Carbon nanotubes are of keen interest in
nanotechnology research, especially for making ultrastrong
fibers and other structures. Nanotubes made from other materials
are used for transport in biochemical applications, but are
typically fragile and usually collapse within a few hours. The
NIST team developed processes for extending the shelf life of
polymer nanotubes--considered essential for commercial
applications--and forming sturdy nanotube network structures.
First the researchers made tiny, fluid-f