Low-Temperature Layer-by-Layer Growth of Semiconducting Few-Layer γ-Graphyne to Exploit Robust Biocompatibility

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2023 Sep 6;15(35):41708-41719. doi: 10.1021/acsami.3c08446. Epub 2023 Aug 24.

Abstract

The sp-hybridized carbon network in single- or few-layer γ-graphyne (γ-GY) has a polarized electron distribution, which can be crucial in overcoming biosafety issues. Here, we report the low-temperature synthesis, electronic properties, and amyloid fibril nanostructures of electrostatic few-layer γ-GY. ABC stacked γ-GY is synthesized by layer-by-layer growth on a catalytic copper surface, exhibiting intrinsic p-type semiconducting properties in few-layer γ-GY. Thickness-dependent electronic properties of γ-GY elucidate interlayer interactions by electron doping between electrostatic layers and layer stacking-involved modulation of the band gap. Electrostatic few-layer γ-GY induces high electronic sensitivity and intense interaction with amyloid beta (i.e., Aβ40) peptides assembling into elongated mature Aβ40 fibrils. Two-dimensional biocompatible nanostructures of Aβ40 fibrils/few-layer γ-GY enable excellent cell viability and high neuronal differentiation of living cells without external stimulation.

Keywords: amyloid fibrils; biocompatible nanostructures; electrostatic surface; few-layer graphyne; layer-by-layer growth; thickness-dependent band gap.

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides*
  • Carbon*
  • Catalysis
  • Cell Survival
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Carbon