| We have developed a synthesis protocol for water-soluble peptide/silver nanoparticle hybrid structures. Using a chemically well controlled process inspired by silica biomineralization, it is possible to coat every particle with a 2-4 nm layer of silica and to dope Er (as Er2O3) into the silica shell. The resulting particles exhibit are chiral and exhibit useful optical and magnetic properties; moreover, the self-assembly of the particles into larger entities can be triggered by pH. Overall the particles are a useful model platform that can be further expanded using appropriate chemical modifications. The presentation will summarize the state of research and illustrate further developments into functional materials. |
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