SP1 Polypeptide-CNT Complexes for Tire Conductivity and Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of carbon nanotubes into composite materials, such as tires, is hindered by their tendency to aggregate in solvents and the poor conductivity of rubber, leading to challenges in achieving enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A chimeric polypeptide comprising an SP1 polypeptide with a carbon nanotube or graphitic surfaces binding peptide at the N-terminus, which forms stable complexes with carbon nanotubes, is used to create composite polymers and fabrics that improve the integration and conductivity of carbon nanotubes in materials like tires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbon nanotubes are added to composite materials, then electrical and thermal conductivity is improved, but carbon nanotubes aggregate in solvents reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SP1 polypeptide as an intermediary substance that binds to carbon nanotubes through its hydrophobic central cavity and presents hydrophilic binding domains outward. This mediator prevents carbon nanotube aggregation by providing steric stabilization and improves dispersion in solvent systems, thereby enabling effective integration into composite materials while maintaining conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system consisting of SP1 polypeptide-carbon nanotube complexes integrated into polymer matrices. This composite approach combines the conductive properties of carbon nanotubes with the stabilizing and dispersing capabilities of the SP1 polypeptide, achieving both improved conductivity and prevention of aggregation in the final composite material.
2Reliability
If proteins are used in composite materials, then specific binding and stability are improved, but availability and flexibility of native proteins are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protein structure into functional domains: a stable core region (amino acids 1-80 of SP1) that provides structural stability and resistance to denaturation, and variable N-terminal regions (amino acids 1-8) that can be engineered to provide specific binding functions. This segmentation allows the stable core to be reused while adapting the binding regions for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying amino acid sequences in the N-terminal region of SP1 to create variants with different binding specificities while maintaining the stable core structure. This allows the same protein scaffold to be adapted for binding different targets, enhancing versatility without sacrificing the inherent stability of the SP1 structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The SP1-carbon nanotube complexes enhance the electrical and thermal conductivity of tires, addressing the aggregation issues and conductivity limitations, while also improving the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in solvents.
Implementation Method 1
SP1 is a homo-oligomeric protein isolated from aspen (Populus tremula aspen) plants which forms a ring-shape dodecameric particle with a central cavity. The oligomeric form of SP1 is an exceptionally stable structure that is resistant to proteases, such as trypsin, V8, and proteinase K, high temperatures, organic solvents, and high levels of ionic detergent.
Implementation Method 2
an isolated chimeric polypeptide comprising an SP1 polypeptide and carbon nanotube or graphitic surfaces binding peptide at the N-terminus of the SP1 polypeptide
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to material science in general, and, more particularly, to sequence variants of Stable Protein 1 (SP1), to uses thereof, for binding of carbon nanotubes, production of composite polymers and polymer materials, such as fabrics, based on SP1-polypeptide-carbon nanotube-complexes, and the use thereof for enhancing conductivity in tires.