Neutron-scattering characterization of nanostructured materials relevant to biotechnology

Biomedical nanotechnology is a rapidly emerging field that encompasses many disciplines including medicine, molecular biology, materials physics and chemistry, engineering, etc. The complexity of the targeted systems demands cross-disciplinary research and international collaboration. In the materials front, understanding the fundamental properties at molecular level is important to the realization of the full potential of substances and the fruition of eventual technological applications. Neutron-scattering characterization of biomolecular systems can in principle provide unique information pertinent to nanotechnological applications. But the method is not widely utilized because neutron facilities are not normally located at industrial laboratories and university campuses. We introduce the techniques of neutron scattering for studying the organization of nanoscale structural units and their dynamic response to physical-chemical conditions. Examples are given to illustrate neutron characterization of nanostructured biomaterials and the implications for biotechnology.