Biomaterials and biotechnologies based on nanotube membranes

In this review, we consider materials and systems based on nanotubes formed within the pores of synthetic nanoporous membranes. The topics considered are of potential interest in the fields of biomaterials or biotechnology. There are three general membrane-based strategies that have been used to prepare materials: In the first strategy, template synthesis, nanometer scale pores are used to synthesize and modify materials. In the second strategy, we describe steps toward the design of nanotube-based membrane sensors. In the third approach, nanometer scale pores are used to separate species that translocate the membrane. In this review we consider the materials and techniques used to create, manipulate, and interrogate these bio-oriented nanotube membrane systems.