Congo Red Interactions with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

A new method of dispersion of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in aqueous solution using supramolecular compounds is proposed in this chapter. The described system consists of SWNT overlaid by Congo red. SWNT are formed from a rolled layer of graphene, providing a large surface area for binding compounds with planar, aromatic structures (including drugs). Congo red is able to associate with proteins in the form of supramolecular, ribbon-like structures, and may bind various drugs by intercalation. The study reveals strong interactions between Congo red and the surface of SWNT. The authors’ aim was to explain the mechanism driving this interaction. Spectral analysis of the SWNT-CR complex, effects of sonication on CR binding, microscopic imaging and molecular modelling analyses are all discussed. Results indicate that binding of supramolecular Congo red to the surface of nanotubes is based on face-to-face stacking. Having attached itself to the surface of a nanotube, a dye molecule may attract other similarly oriented molecules, giving rise to a protruding supramolecular appendage. This explains the high affinity of CR for nanotubes and the resulting system’s capability to bind drugs. Analysis of complexes formed by SWNT-CR with the model drug (DOX) and with other planar compounds (EB, TY) indicates that it may be possible to construct complexes capable of binding multiple compounds simultaneously.