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	Molecular-Scale Engineering and Nanoscale Technologies (MENT) Research Group

Overview

The goal of the MENT group is to characterize, analyze, model, simulate and manipulate molecular-scale process that give rise to complex behavior or function. In particular, we focus on developing a bottoms-up understanding of the structure of genetic and biochemical circuits and networks that lead to cellular function. We pursue this research agenda experimentally through the creation of nanoscale probes that directly interface with the information processing systems of cells, and analytically through the modeling and simulation of genetic circuits and networks.

Integration of Hampster Cells and Carbon Nanofibers

The functional integration of vertically-aligned carbon nanofibers and Chinese hamster ovary cells is demonstrated by impalefection, the introducing of an exogenous gene via nanofiber impalement. In addition to simple delivery of genes, such as this demonstration with a GFP (green fluorescent protein) gene, this methodology provides a unique aspect of introduction and expression of genes that are covalently tethered to the nanofiber scaffold.

Our major research efforts are focused on: (1) the controlled synthesis and directed assembly of carbon nanostructures; (2) forming functional interfaces between biological materials (from individual biomolecules to intact whole cells) and carbon nanostructures; (3) analysis, modeling and simulation of gene/biochemical circuits and networks; and (4) biomimetic devices constructed through the controlled synthesis, chemical derivatization, and directed assembly of carbon nanostructures and carbon nanostructure/biomolecular hybrids. We have extensive research facilities that include comprehensive imaging and materials characterization facilities, fabrication facilities, device design, analysis, and characterization capabilities, and comprehensive micro- and molecular biology research facilities available to us at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and/or the University of Tennessee (UT).

The MENT group is at home both at ORNL and the UT. The MENT Principal Investigator, Dr. Michael L. Simpson, is a Distinguished Research Staff Member in the Engineering Science and Technology and the Condensed Matter Sciences Divisions at ORNL and a UT/ORNL Joint Faculty Member.

At UT, Dr. Simpson's academic appointments are as a Professor in the Material Science and Engineering Departments and as a participating faculty member in the UT Center for Environmental Biotechnology. MENT research staff members are on the staff of ORNL or research faculty members at UT, while postdoctoral fellows may be employees of the Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education (ORISE) or UT. Graduate student researchers in MENT may come from many of the UT academic departments in science or engineering.