Synthesis and electron transfer studies of peptide-containing nanostructures

Electron transfer proteins provide us with examples of how nanometer-sized molecules can precisely control the flow of electrons over large distances. Proteins involved in processes such as photosynthesis and respiration are capable of achieving charge separations over large distances and can direct the flow of electrons within and between proteins with unmatched efficiency.; In hopes of learning lessons from these electron-transfer proteins, this work has two main goals. The primary goal is to develop a model system that allows one to isolate and study the individual factors that determine how proteins mediate electron transfer. A second goal is to adopt this understanding of the function of proteins to technologically useful platforms.; A synthetic route is described which provides a series of peptide-containing alkanethiols that self assemble onto gold electrodes, are stable and well characterized, and can be addressed electrochemically to yield information about how electron transfer occurs through peptide bonds. Electron transfer measurements through these films provides insight as to how electron transfer proteins function.; A route toward the facile synthesis of small gold nanoparticles is also presented. This involves the synthesis of phoshphine-stabilized nanoparticles followed by the biphasic exchange of water-soluble thiol ligands onto the gold core. This provides an additional platform for using these peptide-containing ligands as it is possible to synthesize nanoparticles that have peptide-containing ligands by this route.; Chemists have a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of technology as it shrinks to the scale in which chemists work. Additionally, chemists have a responsibility to understand the environmental effects of such developments. Efforts to design improved, greener technology are discussed as is a project designed to educate the next generation of chemists in such methods.; This dissertation includes both published, and unpublished, co-authored material.