Title: Development of Biocompatible Energy Harvesting Systems Based on Self-Assembled Peptides
Research proposal No: 1.1.1.9/LZP/1/24/018
Duration: 01.04.2025.-31.03.2028.
Project Leader: Suvankar Mondal
Total budget: EUR 185 510
ISSP UL budget: EUR 9275,50
Project description:
Novel hybrid nanogenerators (HNG) with biocompatible, flexible materials are gaining significant interest due to their high electrical output and broad applications in the electronic industry. The growing demand for environmentally friendly electronic materials that are easily fabricated and chemically tunable has motivated the research development of self-assembling peptide nanotubes.
The primary objectives of this project are:
to synthesize and characterize the self-assembling peptides microtubes and thin films;
to design and test the self-assembling peptide microstructures-based HNGs to explore their potential for sustainable energy harvesting and self-powered sensors;
to develop bio-sensors based on the influence of external impact (temperature, pH, solvent, etc.) on the performance of HNGs.
PROJECT PROGRESS
12.11.2025.
During this period, recent studies on peptide-based piezoelectric biomaterials were reviewed, emphasizing the development of biocompatible energy-harvesting systems using self-assembled diphenylalanine (FF) dipeptide films. The review provided detailed insights into synthesis routes, self-assembly mechanisms, piezoelectric performance, and potential applications in biosensing, biomedical implants, and self-powered electronic systems. There were also analyzed different thin-film fabrication methods (drop-casting, inkjet printing, dip-coating, spin-coating, and vapor-phase self-assembly) to identify the most effective route for achieving uniform crystalline alignment and improved piezoelectric response. Based on these findings, the experimental methodology for fabricating FF thin films and their characterization was outlined.
Crystalline FF films were fabricated through a two-step process. First, amorphous FF films were prepared from an HFIP-based solution (50 mg/mL) by spin-coating at 5000 rpm for 60 seconds under low humidity (<30%) to prevent premature crystallization. These amorphous films were then crystallized in a climatic chamber at 30 °C and 90% relative humidity for two hours, which promoted molecular ordering and uniform film morphology. The FF films were deposited on both conductive Si and glass substrates, exhibiting regions with needle-like crystallites and large crystalline plates.
Dielectric characterization was performed using Au and Cr electrodes deposited by magnetron sputtering. Measurements were carried out in the temperature range of −120 °C to 50 °C and frequency range of 130 Hz to 1 MHz, using a LINKAM sample cell connected to precision impedance analyzers. Proper electrical connections and low-capacitance coaxial cables minimized parasitic effects, while automated temperature control ensured reliable data acquisition.
The results showed that most Au contacts had low resistivity, while FF films on glass exhibited higher resistivity and reduced hysteresis near 0 °C. Overall, significant progress was achieved in understanding FF thin-film fabrication, crystallinity, and dielectric behavior, providing a strong foundation for future work on peptide-based piezoelectric energy harvesters.