Technology.am (Apr. 6, 2009) — The scientists of Singapore’s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) have developed the first tri-continuous mesoporous material using a unique surfactant template, N,N-dimethyl-L-phenylalanine. This new porous structure previously been predicted only mathematically.

The IBN scientists said that this novel material, named IBN-9 after the research institute, is the first hexagonal nanoscale construct with 3 unconnected interwoven channels and it represents a new class of mesoporous materials, which consist of pores of 2-50 nanometers in size.

“IBN-9 demonstrates that it is possible to create three interwoven but independent pore channel systems along with a unique nano-fiber morphology. Such a mesostructure makes distinct diffusion rates in different directions possible. This property would be very attractive for gas separation and drug delivery systems,” said Jackie Y. Ying, Executive Director of IBN.

Mesoporous silica has well-defined nanochannel structures that are formed over templates via self-assembly processes. Mesoporous silica materials have huge surface areas, making them ideal for use as catalysts to facilitate chemical reactions. Their uniform nanometersized pores allow them to separate molecules by size difference. Their pores may also be used to trap drug molecules for controlled drug release. Therefore, the ability to tailor the pore structure of mesoporous material is of fundamental importance for various chemical and biological applications.