Surface functionalized titanium thin films: zeta-potential, protein adsorption and cell proliferation

The relationship between electric charge at a material surface and protein adsorption is essential to understand the mechanism of biological integration of materials with tissues. This study investigated the influence of titanium thin films' surface chemistry and surface electric charge (zeta-potential) properties on protein adsorption and cell proliferation. Titanium thin films were surface functionalized with different functional end groups, such as -CH=CH2, -NH2 and -COOH groups in order to produce surfaces with a variety of electric charge properties. The chemical compositions, electric charges and wettability were investigated by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), zeta-potential measurements and water contact angle measurements, respectively. XPS revealed the surface functionalization of titanium films with -CH=CH2, -NH2, and -COOH groups, which were converted from -CH=CH2 groups. Ti-COOH samples showed the lowest water contact angles and zeta-potential compared to all other samples investigated in this study. NH2-terminated titanium films displayed intermediate contact angles of 70.3+/-2.5 degrees . Fibrinogen adsorption on titanium films and surface functionalized titanium films were investigated in this study. Ti-COOH samples displayed a lower protein adsorption than all other groups, such as NH2-, -CH=CH2-terminated titanium thin films. A tendency that the lower zeta-potential of the samples, the lower the protein adsorption at their surfaces was observed. In vitro cell proliferation tests were also performed on the different surface functionalized titanium films. NH2-terminated titanium films displayed good cell proliferation and cell viability tendency. However, a lower cell proliferation on COOH-terminated titanium films was observed compared with NH2-terminated titanium films. This effect was attributed to the difference in protein adsorption of these samples.     

Using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to measure the electron-transfer kinetics of cytochrome c immobilized on a COOH-terminated alkanethiol monolayer on a gold electrode

Cytochrome c was electrostatically immobilized onto a COOH-terminated alkanethiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a gold electrode at ionic strengths of less than 40 mM. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was used to simultaneously measure the electron transfer (ET) kinetics of the bimolecular ET between a solution-based redox mediator and the immobilized protein and the tunneling ET between the protein and the underlying gold electrode. Approach curves were recorded with ferrocyanide as a mediator at different coverages of cytochrome c and at different substrate potentials, allowing the measurement of k(BI) = 2 x 10(8) mol(-1) cm3 s(-1) for the bimolecular ET and k degrees = 15 s(-1) for the tunneling ET. The kinetics of ET was also found to depend on the immobilization conditions of cytochrome c: covalent attachment gave slightly slower tunneling ET values, and a mixed CH3/COOH-terminated ML gave faster tunneling ET rates. This is consistent with previous studies and is believed to be related to the degree of mobility of cyt c in its binding configuration and its orientation with respect to the underlying electrode surface.     

Molecular gradients: an efficient approach for optimizing the surface properties of biomaterials and biochips

A variety of molecular gradients of alkanethiols with the structure HS-(CH(2))(m)-X (m = 15; X = COOH, CH(2)NH(2), or CH(3)) and oligo(ethylene glycol)-terminated alkanethiols with the structures HS-(CH(2))(15)-CO-NH-Eg(n) (n = 2, 4, or 6), HS-(CH(2))(15)-CO-NH-Eg(2)-(CH(2))(2)-NH-CO-(CH(2))(4)-biotin, and HS-(CH(2))(15)-CO-NH-Eg(6)-CH(2)-COOH were prepared on polycrystalline gold films. These gradients were designed to serve as model surfaces for fundamental studies of protein adsorption and immobilization phenomena. Ellipsometry, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, operating in scanning mode, were used to monitor the layer composition, gradient profiles, tail group conformation, and overall structural quality of the gradient assemblies. The gradient profiles were found to be 4-10 mm wide, and they increased in width with increasing difference in molecular complexity between the thiols used to form the gradient. The oligo(ethylene glycol) thiols are particularly interesting because they can be used to prepare so-called conformational gradients, that is, gradients that display a variation in oligo(ethylene glycol) chain conformation from all trans on the extreme Eg(2,4) sides, via an amorphous-like phase in the mixing regimes, to helical at the extreme Eg(6) sides. We demonstrate herein a series of experiments where the above gradients are used to evaluate nonspecific binding of the plasma protein fibrinogen, and in agreement with previous studies, the highest amounts of nonspecifically bound fibrinogen were observed on all-trans monolayers, that is, on the extreme Eg(2,4) sides. Moreover, gradients between Eg(2) and a biotinylated analogue have been prepared to optimize the conditions for the immobilization of streptavidin. Ellipsometry and infrared spectroscopy reveal high levels of immobilization over a fairly broad range of compositions in the gradient regime, with a maximum between 50 and 60% of the biotinylated analogue in the monolayer. A pI gradient composed of (NH(3)(+)/COO(-))-terminated thiols was also prepared and evaluated with respect to its ability to separate differently charged proteins, pepsin, and lysozyme, on a solid surface.     

Nanoscale chemical patterns fabricated by using colloidal lithography and self-assembled monolayers

A method for preparing surfaces with well-defined nanoscale chemical patterns is described. The fabrication strategy involves creating nanoscale Au pits surrounded by a TiO2 matrix, or vice versa, using colloidal lithography, followed by selective functionalization of the Au areas by CH3-terminated alkanethiols. Using AFM force spectroscopy with chemically modified tips (OH, CH3), we show that the nanopatterned surfaces display strong chemical contrast, in the form of hydrophobic CH3 nanopatches surrounded by a hydrophilic TiO2 surface, or vice versa. The nanofabrication approach presented here offers several advantages over existing patterning technologies, among which are easiness (no sophisticated instrumentation is required), versatility (patterns with a range of surface functionalities can be prepared), and the possibility to produce patterns over large areas at low cost.     

Transmission infrared spectroscopy of methyl- and ethyl-terminated silicon(111) surfaces

Transmission infrared spectroscopy (TIRS) has been used to investigate the surface-bound species formed in the two-step chlorination/alkylation reaction of crystalline (111)-oriented Si surfaces. Spectra were obtained after hydrogen termination, chlorine termination, and reaction of the Cl-Si(111) surface with CH(3)MgX or C(2)H(5)MgX (X = Cl, Br) to form methyl (CH(3))- or ethyl (C(2)H(5))-terminated Si(111) surfaces, respectively. Freshly etched H-terminated Si(111) surfaces that were subsequently chlorinated by immersion in a saturated solution of PCl(5) in chlorobenzene were characterized by complete loss of the Si-H stretching and bending modes at 2083 and 627 cm(-1)(,) respectively, and the appearance of Si-Cl modes at 583 and 528 cm(-1). TIRS of the CH(3)-terminated Si(111) surface exhibited a peak at 1257 cm(-1) polarized perpendicular to the surface assigned to the C-H symmetrical bending, or "umbrella" motion, of the methyl group. A peak observed at 757 cm(-1) polarized parallel to the surface was assigned to the C-H rocking motion. Alkyl C-H stretch modes on both the CH(3)- and C(2)H(5)-terminated surfaces were observed near 2900 cm(-1). The C(2)H(5)-terminated Si(111) surface additionally exhibited broad bands at 2068 and 2080 cm(-1), respectively, polarized perpendicular to the surface, as well as peaks at 620 and 627 cm(-1), respectively, polarized parallel to the surface. These modes were assigned to the Si-H stretching and bending motions, respectively, resulting from H-termination of surface atoms that did not form Si-C bonds during the ethylation reaction.     

Chemical modifications of Au/SiO2 template substrates for patterned biofunctional surfaces

The aim of this work was to create patterned surfaces for localized and specific biochemical recognition. For this purpose, we have developed a protocol for orthogonal and material-selective surface modifications of microfabricated patterned surfaces composed of SiO(2) areas (100 μm diameter) surrounded by Au. The SiO(2) spots were chemically modified by a sequence of reactions (silanization using an amine-terminated silane (APTES), followed by amine coupling of a biotin analogue and biospecific recognition) to achieve efficient immobilization of streptavidin in a functional form. The surrounding Au was rendered inert to protein adsorption by modification by HS(CH(2))(10)CONH(CH(2))(2)(OCH(2)CH(2))(7)OH (thiol-OEG). The surface modification protocol was developed by testing separately homogeneous SiO(2) and Au surfaces, to obtain the two following results: (i) SiO(2) surfaces which allowed the grafting of streptavidin, and subsequent immobilization of biotinylated antibodies, and (ii) Au surfaces showing almost no affinity for the same streptavidin and antibody solutions. The surface interactions were monitored by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), and chemical analyses were performed by polarization modulation-reflexion absorption infrared spectroscopy (PM-RAIRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to assess the validity of the initial orthogonal assembly of APTES and thiol-OEG. Eventually, microscopy imaging of the modified Au/SiO(2) patterned substrates validated the specific binding of streptavidin on the SiO(2)/APTES areas, as well as the subsequent binding of biotinylated anti-rIgG and further detection of fluorescent rIgG on the functionalized SiO(2) areas. These results demonstrate a successful protocol for the preparation of patterned biofunctional surfaces, based on microfabricated Au/SiO(2) templates and supported by careful surface analysis. The strong immobilization of the biomolecules resulting from the described protocol is advantageous in particular for micropatterned substrates for cell-surface interactions.     

Platelet compatibility improvement by proper choice of acidic terminal functionality for mixed-charge self-assembled monolayers

In this study two different series of mixed-charge self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) prepared with -N(+)(CH(3))(3)-terminated alkanethiol and strong dissociated monovalent -SO(3)H acid-terminated or weaker dissociated divalent -PO(3)H(2) acid-terminated alkanethiol in pure ethanol were characterized. The influence of the acidity of the anionic functionality in the mixed-charge SAMs on the surface characteristics and platelet compatibility was investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that a nearly equivalent amount of countercharged terminal groups was noted on the surface of -SO(3)H/-N(+)(CH(3))(3) mixed SAMs, while "-N(+)(CH(3))(3) thiol poor" phenomena were found on -PO(3)H(2)/-N(+)(CH(3))(3) mixed SAMs instead. This was caused by the distinct differences in solvation capability between the acidic anionic functional groups and solvent molecules and/or the interactions among the terminal ends of the thiols. This acidity difference also affected other interfacial properties and the platelet compatibility. The mixed SAMs formed from the mixture of -SO(3)H- and -N(+)(CH(3))(3)-terminated thiols showed higher surface hydrophilicity and exhibited the least amount of platelets adhered, but these two mixed SAMs were all fairly negatively surface charged. The structure of the hydration layer near the surfaces was likely affected by the acidity of the anionic functionality, and this would cause such a distinct behavior in platelet compatibility. It was concluded that the hydrophilic surfaces with nearly equal amounts of surface positively and negatively charged components could exhibit better platelet compatibility. This work demonstrated that the nature of the acidic terminal ends of alkanethiol is also a key factor for preparing mixed-charge SAMs with good platelet compatibility.     

Immunosensor interface based on physical and chemical immunoglobulin G adsorption onto mixed self-assembled monolayers

An immunosensor interface based on mixed hydrophobic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of methyl and carboxylic acid terminated thiols with covalently attached human Immunoglobulin G (hIgG), is investigated. The densely packed and organised SAMs were characterised by contact angle measurements and cyclic voltammetry. The effect of the non-ionic surfactant, Tween 20, in preventing nonspecific adsorption is addressed by ellipsometry during physical and covalent hIgG immobilization on pure and mixed SAMs, respectively. It is clearly demonstrated that nonspecific adsorption due to hydrophobic interactions of hIgG on methyl ended groups is totally inhibited, whereas electrostatic/hydrogen bonding interactions with the exposed carboxylic groups prevail in the presence of surfactant. Results of ellipsometry and Atomic Force Microscopy, reveal that the surface concentration of covalently immobilized hIgG is determined by the ratio of COOH / CH(3)-terminated thiols in SAM forming solution. Moreover, the ellipsometric data demonstrates that the ratio of bound anti-hIgG / hIgG depends on the density of hIgG on the surface and that the highest ratio is close to three. We also report the selectivity and high sensitivity achieved by chronoamperometry in the detection of adsorbed hIgG and the reaction with its antibody.     

Functionalization of thioctic acid-capped gold nanoparticles for specific immobilization of histidine-tagged proteins

This paper presents an efficient strategy for the specific immobilization of fully functional proteins onto the surface of nanoparticles. Thioctic acid-derivatized gold clusters are used as a scaffold for further stepwise modification, leading to a cobalt(II)-terminated ligand shell. A histidine tag introduced by genetic engineering into a protein is coordinated to this transition metal ion. The specific immobilization has been demonstrated for the cases of a genetically engineered horseradish peroxidase and ferredoxin-NADP(+) reductase, confirming the attachment of the fully functional proteins to the Co(II)-terminated nanointerface. The absence of nonspecific protein adsorption and the specificity of the binding site have been verified using several analogues of the enzymes without the histidine tag.     

单壁碳纳米管在金表面的图形化组装

利用湿法化学组装技术在金表面得到了图形化的单壁碳纳米管阵列.在混酸氧化条件下,初合成的交缠状态的单壁纳米管被截短成带有羧基等功能化末端的短管.这些功能化的短管在缩合剂DCC的作用下与氨基/甲基图形化表面进行缩合反应时,纳米管将选择性地结合到氨基区域从而形成规则的纳米管阵列.     

Interface and molecular electronic structure vs tunneling characteristics of CH3- and CF3-terminated thiol monolayers on Au(111)

By means of density functional theory calculations, we investigate work functions, energy level alignments, charge transfers, and tunneling characteristics of CH3- and CF3-terminated alkane- and diphenylthiol monolayers on Au(111). While the alignments of the energy levels and the charge transfers at the metal-molecule interface are found to be determined by the value of the clean Au surface work function relative to the HOMO ionization potential (IP) at the thiolate end of the monolayer, the change of work function for the modified Au(111) surface is dominated by the properties of the thiolate monolayer, including the character, saturated or conjugated, of the molecule and the chemical nature and orientation of the terminal group. The tunneling currents through the adsorbed molecular monolayers are calculated using the Tersoff-Hamann approach. The computed difference between the I-V characteristics for the CH3- and CF3-terminated alkanethiol monolayers agree well with available experimental data. The energy barrier at the metal-molecule interface, the molecular electronic structure, and the IP of the terminal group are the key parameters which determine the tunneling properties.     

Hemoglobin on phosphonic acid terminated self-assembled monolayers at a gold electrode: immobilization, direct electrochemistry, and electrocatalysis

Phosphonic acid (--PO(3)H(2)) terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on a gold surface were used as a functional interface to immobilize hemoglobin (Hb). In situ surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) measurements show that Hb immobilization is a sluggish process due to formation of multilayer Hb structures on the PO(3)H(2)-terminated SAMs, as revealed by ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). In the multilayered Hb film, the innermost Hb molecules can directly exchange electrons with the electrode, whereas Hb beyond this layer communicates electronically with the electrode via protein-protein electron exchange. In addition, electrochemical measurements indicate that immobilization of Hb on the PO(3)H(2)-terminated SAMs is not driven by the electrostatic interaction, but likely by hydrogen-bonding interaction. The immobilized Hb molecules show excellent bioelectrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen peroxide, that is, the PO(3)H(2)-terminated SAMs are promising for construction of third-generation biosensors.     

Adsorption and reaction of methanol on stoichiometric and defective SrTiO3(100) surfaces

The adsorption and reaction of methanol (CH(3)OH) on stoichiometric (TiO(2)-terminated) and reduced SrTiO(3)(100) surfaces have been investigated using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and first-principles density-functional calculations. Methanol adsorbs mostly nondissociatively on the stoichiometric SrTiO(3)(100) surface that contains predominately Ti(4+) cations. Desorption of a monolayer methanol from the stoichiometric surface is observed at approximately 250 K, whereas desorption of a multilayer methanol is found to occur at approximately 140 K. Theoretical calculations predict weak adsorption of methanol on TiO(2)-terminated SrTiO(3)(100) surfaces, in agreement with the experimental results. However, the reduced SrTiO(3)(100) surface containing Ti(3+) cations exhibits higher reactivity toward adsorbed methanol, and H(2), CH(4), and CO are the major decomposition products. The surface defects on the reduced SrTiO(3)(100) surface are partially reoxidized upon saturation exposure of CH(3)OH onto this surface at 300 K.     

Antibody adsorption and orientation on hydrophobic surfaces

The orientation of a monoclonal, anti-streptavidin human IgG1 antibody on a model hydrophobic, CH(3)-terminated surface (1-dodecanethiol self-assembled monolayer on gold) was studied by monitoring the mechanical coupling between the adsorbed layer and the surface as well as the binding of molecular probes to the antibodies. In this study, the streptavidin antigen was used as a probe for the Fab portions of the antibody, while bacteria-derived Protein G' was used as a probe for the Fc region. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) acted as a blocking protein. Monolayer coverage occurred around 468 ng/cm(2). Below 100 ng/cm(2), antibodies were found to adsorb flat-on, tightly coupled to the surface and unable to capture their antigen, whereas the Fc region was able to bind Protein G'. At half-monolayer coverage, there was a transition in the mechanism of adsorption to allow for vertically oriented antibodies, as evidenced by the binding of both Protein G' and streptavidin as well as looser mechanical coupling with the surface. Monolayer coverage was characterized by a reduced level in probe binding per antibody and an even less rigid coupling to the surface.     

Label-free detection of C-reactive protein using reflectometric interference spectroscopy-based sensing system

Reflectometric interference spectroscopy (RIfS) is a label-free, time-resolved technique, and suitable for detecting antibody–antigen interaction. This work describes a continuous flow biosensor for C-reactive protein (CRP), involving an effective immobilization method of a monoclonal antibody against CRP (anti-CRP) to achieve highly sensitive RIfS-based detection of CRP. The silicon nitride-coated silicon chip (SiN chip) for the RIfS sensing was first treated with trimethylsilylchloride (TMS), followed by UV-light irradiation to in situ generation of homogeneous silanols on the surface. Following amination by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, carboxymethyldextran (CMD) was grafted, and subsequently, protein A was immobilized to create the oriented anti-CRP surface. The immobilization process of protein A and anti-CRP was monitored with the RIfS system by consecutive injections of an amine coupling reagent, protein A and anti-CRP, respectively, to confirm the progress of each step in real time. The sensitivity was enhanced when all of the processes were adopted, suggesting that the oriented immobilization of anti-CRP via protein A that was coupled with the grafted CMD on the aminated surface of TMS-treated SiN chip. The feasibility of the present sensing system was demonstrated on the detection of CRP, where the silicon-based inexpensive chips and the simple optical setup were employed. It can be applied to other target molecules in various fields of life science as a substitute of surface plasmon resonance-based expensive sensors.     

Investigation of SPR and electrochemical detection of antigen with polypyrrole functionalized by biotinylated single-chain antibody: A review

An electrochemical label-free immunosensor based on a biotinylated single-chain variable fragment (Sc-Fv) antibody immobilized on copolypyrrole film is described. An efficient immunosensor device formed by immobilization of a biotinylated single-chain antibody on an electropolymerized copolymer film of polypyrrole using biotin/streptavidin system has been demonstrated for the first time. The response of the biosensor toward antigen detection was monitored by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and electrochemical analysis of the polypyrrole response by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The composition of the copolymer formed from a mixture of pyrrole (py) as spacer and a pyrrole bearing a N-hydroxyphthalimidyl ester group on its 3-position (pyNHP), acting as agent linker for biomolecule immobilization, was optimized for an efficient immunosensor device. The ratio of py:pyNHP for copolymer formation was studied with respect to the antibody immobilization and antigen detection. SPR was employed to monitor in real time the electropolymerization process as well as the step-by-step construction of the biosensor. FT-IR demonstrates the chemical copolymer composition and the efficiency of the covalent attachment of biomolecules. The film morphology was analyzed by electron scanning microscopy (SEM).Results show that a well organized layer is obtained after Sc-Fv antibody immobilization thanks to the copolymer composition defined with optimized pyrrole and functionalized pyrrole leading to high and intense redox signal of the polypyrrole layer obtained by the DPV method. Detection of specific antigen was demonstrated by both SPR and DPV, and a low concentration of 1 pg mL⁻¹ was detected by measuring the variation of the redox signal of polypyrrole.     

Local packing environment strongly influences the frictional properties of mixed CH3- and CF3-terminated alkanethiol SAMs on Au(111)

Compositionally mixed, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) derived from 16,16,16-trifluorohexadecanethiol and a normal alkanethiol, either hexadecanethiol or pentadecanethiol, were formed on Au(111) substrates. The relative composition of the films was determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and was found to approximately equal the equimolar composition of the isooctane solution from which they were formed. The frictional properties of the mixed films were measured on the nanometer scale using atomic force microscopy and were observed to decrease when the chain length of the CH(3)-terminated component was shortened by one methylene unit (i.e., when hexadecanethiol was replaced by pentadecanethiol). For comparison, the frictional properties of a mixed-chain-length CH(3)-terminated SAM derived from hexadecanethiol and pentadecanethiol in a 1:1 ratio was also examined. In contrast to the mixed CF(3)/CH(3) system, the latter mixed-chain-length system exhibited relatively higher friction when compared to single-component SAMs derived solely from either hexadecanethiol or pentadecanethiol. For both types of mixed films, the change in frictional properties that occurs as a result of modifying the position of neighboring terminal groups with respect to the surface plane is discussed in terms of the influence of local packing environments on interfacial energy dissipation (friction).     

HREELS, STM, and STS study of CH(3)-terminated Si(111)-(1x1) surface

An ideally (1x1)-CH(3)(methyl)-terminated Si(111) surface was composed by Grignard reaction of photochlorinated Si(111) and the surface structure was for the first time confirmed by Auger electron spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction, high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). HREELS revealed the vibration modes associated to the CH(3)-group as well as the C-Si bond. STM discerned an adlattice with (1x1) periodicity on Si(111) composed of protrusions with internal features, covering all surface terraces. The surface structure was confirmed to be stable at temperatures below 600 K. STS showed that an occupied-state band exists at gap voltage of -1.57 eV, generated by the surface CH(3) adlattice. This CH(3):Si(111)-(1x1) adlayer with high stability and unique electronic property is prospective for applications such as nanoscale lithography and advanced electrochemistry.     

An addressable antibody nanoarray produced on a nanostructured surface

The ability to address specific nanoscale features is required to produce diverse biological nanoarrays or perform local assembly using biological building blocks and is an important unsolved problem in nanotechnology. In this work, we describe the use of a novel nanofabricated gold surface, with regions of distinct topography and chemical functionalities, to solve this problem. First, nanoarrays of IgG antibodies were produced by selective immobilization in nanoholes on the surface. The smallest feature size was determined by the hole size (fwhm 90 nm) and not surface diffusion. Using holes of 300 nm diameter, we selectively addressed specific features in the array by nanopipet delivery of a functional antibody, anti-IgG. To our knowledge, this is the first example of addressing specific biologically functional features on a surface at the nanoscale.     

Covalent attachment of acetylene and methylacetylene functionality to Si(111) surfaces: scaffolds for organic surface functionalization while retaining Si-C passivation of Si(111) surface sites

Si(111) surfaces have been functionalized with Si-CC-R species, where R = H or -CH3, using a two-step reaction sequence involving chlorination of H-Si(111) followed by treatment with Na-CC-H or CH3-CC-Na reagents. The resulting surfaces showed no detectable oxidation as evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) data in the Si 2p region, electrochemical measurements of Si-H oxidation, or infrared spectroscopy. The Si-CC-R-terminated surfaces exhibited a characteristic CC stretch in the infrared at 2179 cm-1, which was strongly polarized perpendicular to the Si(111) surface plane. XPS measurements in the C 1s region showed a low binding energy peak indicative of Si-C bonding, with a coverage that was, within experimental error, identical to that of the CH3-terminated Si(111) surface, which has been shown to fully terminate the Si atop sites on an unreconstructed Si(111) surface. The Si-CC-H-terminated surfaces were further functionalized by exposure to n-C4H9Li followed by exposure to para Br-C6H5-CF3, allowing for introduction of para -C6H5CF3 groups while maintaining the desirable chemical and electrical properties that accompany complete Si-C termination of the atop sites on the Si(111) surface.