Spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical characterization of acceptor--sigma spacer--donor monolayers

A novel self-assembled monolayer based on benzoquinone--sigma spacer--ferrocene assembly has been prepared on the surface of gold. The preceding paper gives the reaction conditions for the synthesis of the monolayer and a detailed electrochemical characterization of the assembly. In the present paper, the monolayer structure and the orientation of the redox moieties are followed by a detailed spectroscopic analysis. The monolayer has been characterized by reflectance absorbance IR spectroscopy, FT-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at every step of modification. Additionally, spectroelectrochemical studies have been carried out by coupling Raman spectroscopy with cyclic voltammetry to elucidate the structural variations associated with the monolayer as a function of applied dc bias.     

Directed assembly and separation of self-assembled monolayers via electrochemical processing

Separated domains of 1-dodecanethiolate were fabricated via solution displacement of preformed 1-adamantanethiolate self-assembled monolayers on Au{111}. Subsequently, the 1-adamantanethiolate domains were desorbed selectively, and the substrate was exposed to a 1-octanethiol solution, creating artificially separated self-assembled monolayers of 1-dodecanethiolate and 1-octanethiolate. The molecular order of each lattice type and the apparent height differences imaged with scanning tunneling microscopy and the two distinct cathodic peaks observed with cyclic voltammetry indicated distinct separated domains of each lattice type in the separated self-assembled monolayers. By manipulating the intermolecular interaction strengths of the patterned molecules, we are able to control the structure and properties of the separated self-assembled monolayers via the exploitation of competitive adsorption and the utilization of electrochemical processing, which can be extended to other self-assembly patterning techniques such as microdisplacement printing.     

Formation and electrochemical characterization of 6-thioguanosine monolayers on the mercury surface

The interfacial and electrochemical behavior of 6-thioguanosine-6-thioguanine riboside (6TGR)-on a hanging mercury drop electrode was studied with ac and cyclic voltammetry in a solution of 0.1 M Na(2)SO(4) and 0.01 M sodium acetate buffer at pH 4.3. A self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of chemisorbed 6TGR molecules formed under determined adsorption conditions was characterized. A low-density monolayer of chemisorbed 6TGR molecules and a condensed monolayer of physisorbed ones, which are successively formed by reduction of the SAM, were also studied.     

Electrostatic assembly of gold colloidal nanoparticles on organosilane monolayers patterned by microcontact electrochemical conversion

A new approach is introduced for electrostatically guided adsorption of colloidal nanoparticles onto a patterned self-assembled monolayer (SAM) with feature sizes ranging from nm to mm. Patterning of the adsorption templates is realized by electric-field-induced anodic oxidation of aminosilane SAM using an ink-free method. In this versatile method, both "positive" and "negative" type pattern transfers are possible. The chemically converted patterns are induced by localized electrical fields on the microcontacted areas, and the patterning resolution is insensitive to the diffusion of oxidizing agents because of the self-limiting oxidation kinetics, thereby enabling high-resolution, large-scale parallel patterning.     

Copper(II)-mediated layer-by-layer assembly of viologenthiol-functionalized carbon nanotube hybrid multilayers: preparation, characterization, morphology, and electrochemical properties

The metal-mediated self-assembly of coordination polymers, building blocks, and metal-organic frameworks has been widely used to construct multifunctional novel materials on the molecular level. Here, we developed this technique to build up multilayers of functionalized carbon nanotubes on the basis of both intermolecular electrostatic and coordinative interactions. Positively charged electroactive viologenthiol (VSH) was first immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to form MWNT-VSH hybrids with a relative content of ～9% by weight. Field emission transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the VSH molecules randomly covered the surfaces of MWNTs with a thickness of 1 to 2 nm. Then, the MWNT-VSH hybrids were used as nanoscale multidentate "ligands" (linkers) to construct metal-mediated multilayers with the use of CuAc(2) as the connectors by the layer-by-layer (LBL) method. The assembly process was monitored by absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as scanning electron and atomic force microscopy after each assembly of Cu(II) ions and MWNT-VSH hybrids. Finally, the electrochemical behaviors of the viologens in the MWNT-VS/Cu LBL multilayers were investigated.     

Ultrathin free-standing polyelectrolyte nanocomposites: a novel method for preparation and characterization of assembly dynamics

We present a new opportunity for the investigation of the dynamics of electrostatic ultrathin-film assembly and the elucidation of time scales required for layer-by-layer adsorption of polyelectrolytes using a novel pendant drop technique which allows for the synthesis of free-standing nanocomposites. In short, a charged molecular template, i.e., a lipid monolayer, is deposited on a pendant drop and compressed to present a defined surface charge density to the subphase of the drop. The subphase is then cycled alternatively between solutions of polycations, saline, and polyanions by injection and withdrawal of liquid from coaxial capillaries on which the drop was formed, resulting in encapsulation of the drop volume by a polymeric composite membrane. The in situ dynamics of the process are followed by axisymmetric drop shape analysis. As a model, nanocomposites of dimyristoyl phosphatidyl glycerol-(polyallylamine hydrochloride/polystyrene sulfonate)(n=1-3) were prepared. The characteristic time scales for assembly range from 1 to 4 min and increase with film thickness. It is also demonstrated that small-amplitude (>1%) perturbations in the film density during adsorption prolong the assembly. Both these results underscore the nonequilibrium nature of these materials.     

Electrochemically partitioned assembly of organosulfur monolayers and nanoparticles

Partitionally assembled organosulfur monolayers were prepared by using an electrochemically assisted assembly method on gold films that were preseparated into two regions insulated from each other. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to characterize the n-dodecanethiol (DDT) and the 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) monolayers, which were separately assembled on different substrate regions. CV results indicated that both the DDT- and MUA-coated gold electrodes showed a blocking property toward the negatively charged redox probe Fe(CN)6(3-). However, when positively charged Ru(NH3)6(3+) was used as the redox probe, the MUA- and DDT-modified electrodes showed quasireversible and blocking CV features, respectively. These phenomena were attributed to different interactions between the negatively charged MUA surface and the negatively or positively charged redox probes. XPS spectra obtained on the MUA modified region exhibited an O(1s) peak and a small discrete C(1s) peak, which arose from the oxygen and the carbon atoms in the carboxylic acid groups, respectively. For the DDT-modified region, these two peaks were absent. CV and XPS experimental results provided strong evidence that different SAMs were selectively deposited onto different regions of the preexisting patterns of the substrate by electrochemically partitioned assembly. The partitionally assembled sulfur-based monolayers with different terminal groups were used to form location-selective nanoparticle assemblies. This electrochemically partitioned assembly technique has great potential in controllable constructions of molecular layers and nanostructures on different surface microarchitectures that are closely integrated on one substrate but insulated from each other.     

Dendritic cavitands: preparation and electrochemical properties

A new series of dendrimers containing a central cavitand core with four appended Fréchet-type dendrons, linked to the core through 4,4'-bipyridinium (viologen) subunits, have been synthesized, characterized and their electrochemical properties investigated using cyclic voltammetric measurements.     

Thiol-terminated monolayers on oxide-free Si: assembly of semiconductor-alkyl-S-metal junctions

Self-assembled monolayers formed by thermal hydrosilylation of a trifluoroacetyl-protected alkenylthiol on Si-H surfaces, followed by removal of the protecting groups, yield essentially oxide-free monolayers suitable for the formation of Si-C11H22-S-Hg and Si-C11H22-S-Au junctions in which the alkyl chains are chemically bound to the silicon surface (via Si-C bonds) and the metal electrode (via Hg-S or Au-S bonds). Two barriers to charge transport are present in the system: at low bias the current is temperature activated and hence limited by thermionic emission over the Schottky barrier in the silicon, whereas as at high bias transport is limited by tunneling through the organic monolayer. The thiol-terminated monolayer on oxide-free silicon provides a well-characterized system allowing a careful study of the importance of the interfacial bond to the metal electrode for current transport through saturated molecules.     

Stepwise construction of a cross-shaped covalent assembly of dendrimers

A methodology for the stepwise construction of shape-persistent assemblies using snowflake-shaped dendrimers as the key modular building blocks was described. The Sonogashira coupling reaction of A₃B-type Zn-porphyrin with A₄-type free-base porphyrin afforded a cross-shaped covalent assembly. Intramolecular singlet energy transfer from peripheral Zn-porphyrin core to a free-base porphyrin core was observed.     

Oligothiophene-functionalized CdSe nanocrystals: preparation and electrochemical properties

The preparation of new molecular hybrids consisting of CdSe semiconductor nanocrystals, surface-functionalized with conductive and electrochemically active oligothiophene ligands, is described. Specially synthesized aniline-terminated oligoalkylthiophenes containing one, two, or four thiophene units were used for the grafting on CdSe nanocrystals, previously surface-functionalized with 4-formyldithiobenzoate. The electrochemical activity of both the inorganic and the organic parts of the hybrid was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The oxidative doping of the organic part of the hybrid is irreversible, contrary to the case of the “free” non-grafted ligand which shows reversible doping. Furthermore, the electrochemical doping of the surface ligands, occurring at lower potentials than the oxidation of the nanocrystals, perturbs the latter process via charging of the ligands followed by slow relaxation processes. The first two authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence: Peter Reiss, Adam Pron, DSM/DRFMC/SPrAM (UMR 5819 CEA-CNRS-Université Joseph Fourier 1)/LEMOH CEA Grenoble, 17 rue des Martyrs, F-38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France     

Stepwise assembly of unsymmetrical supramolecular arrays containing porphyrins and coordination compounds

The stepwise coordination of meso-4'-pyridyl/phenyl porphyrins (4'-PyPs) to different metal centers proved to be an efficient synthetic approach leading to unsymmetrical arrays containing porphyrins and coordination compounds. The first step of this process, treatment of 4'-PyPs with a less than stoichiometric amount of cis,fac-RuCl2(Me2-SO)3(CO) (1), leads to the selective coordination of [cis,cis,cis-RuCl2(Me2SO)2(CO)] fragments ([Ru]) to some of the peripheral 4'-N sites of the 4'-PyPs. Column separation afforded four partially ruthenated 4'-PyPs in pure form: 4'-cis-DPyP[Ru] (2), 4'-trans-DPyP[Ru] (3), (4'-TPyP)[Ru] (4), and (4'-TPyP)[Ru]3 (5). These compounds, which have residual unbound peripheral 4'-N(py) sites (either one or three), were allowed to react with other metal centers that may belong either to a metalloporphyrin or to a coordination compound. When building blocks 2-5 were treated with [Ru(TPP)(CO)(EtOH)] (TPP = meso-tetraphenylporphyrin) in chloroform at room temperature, axial coordination of Ru(TPP)(CO) units ((Ru)) to the available 4'-N(py) sites readily occurred, generating the following arrays containing both perpendicular porphyrins and coordination compounds: (Ru)-(mu-4'-cis-DPyP)[Ru], (Ru)(mu-4'-trans-DPyP)[Ru], (Ru)3(mu-4'-TPyP)[Ru], and (Ru)(mu-4'-TPyP)[Ru]3. Furthermore, building blocks 2, 3, and 5 were treated with a series of coordination compounds capable of binding two pyridylporphyrins either cis to each other (trans-RuCl2(Me2SO)4 and trans,cis,cis-RuCl2(Me2SO)2(CO)2) or trans to each other (trans-PdCl2(C6H5CN)2). Homo- (Ru) and heterobimetallic (Ru-Pd) arrays with as many as seven metal atoms (six Ru and one Pd) and two 4'-PyPs were obtained as follows: trans,cis,cis-RuCl2(Me2SO)2(4'-cis-DPyP[Ru])2, trans,cis,cis-RuCl2(Me2SO)2(4'-trans-DPyP[Ru])2, trans,cis,cis-RuCl2(CO)2(4'-cis-DPyP[Ru])2, and trans-PdCl2(4'-TPyP[Ru]3)2. All the products were thoroughly characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Since the [Ru] fragment is chiral, diastereomers are formed when two or more [Ru] units are bound to a porphyrin. We found that when two 4'-cis-DPyP[Ru] (2) units are coordinated cis to each other on the same metal center, the mutual anisotropic effect of the cis porphyrins differentiates the sulfoxide methyl resonances for the two forms. These and other results indicate that the pyridyl units react independently of the presence or absence of a substituent on the other py rings. Thus, the synthetic strategy should be a general method for linking diverse metal centers through pyridylporphyrins.     

Interfacial interaction between dextran sulfate and lipid monolayers: an electrochemical study

The interaction between dextran sulfate (DS) with zwitterionic dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and negatively charged dipalmitoylphosphatidic acid monolayers at different surface pressures at air-liquid and liquid-liquid interfaces was studied using Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) and electrochemical techniques. The negatively charged DS can bind to phospholipids via calcium ions. To investigate the mechanism of the adsorption of DS on lipid monolayers, compression isotherms (pi-A) and capacitance-potential curves were measured, and a theoretical model was developed to interpret the capacitance data. The compression of lipid monolayers in the presence of DS led to a more condensed hybrid layer, removing the LE-LC phase transition of DPPC. Lower surface pressures improved the binding of DS on the lipid monolayers via calcium bridges due to the electrostatic attraction. Alternating current voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry were used to monitor the transfer of a cationic beta-blocker (metoprolol) across lipid monolayers in the absence and presence of the polyelectrolyte and to compare with the transfer of the standard probe, tetraethylammonium cation. Results showed a strong dependence on (i) the surface pressure, (ii) the applied potential, and, (iii) in the case of the hybrid layer, the charge of the phospholipid headgroup. Finally, results were also confirmed by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, performed after transferring lipid multilayers onto a solid substrate by the LB method.     

Stepwise synthesis of Gly-Gly-His on gold surfaces modified with mixed self-assembled monolayers

Peptide-modified electrode surfaces have been shown to have excellent recognition properties for metal ions. An efficient method of screening a potential peptide for its selectivity for a given metal would involve the synthesis of the peptide directly on the electrode surface. This paper outlines a procedure in which the tripeptide Gly-Gly-His was synthesized one amino acid at a time on a gold surface modified with a self-assembled monolayer of the mixed alkanethiolates 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and 3-mercaptopropane (MP). Electrochemistry and high-resolution mass spectrometry were used to elucidate the structure of the adsorbed species and follow the synthesis. The amino acids can be attached only to MPA, but the presence of a diluting unreactive molecule of MP reduces steric crowding about the reaction center. The maximum coverage of synthesized tripeptide occurs at a ratio of MPA/MP of 1:1.     

Characterization of carboxylic acid-terminated self-assembled monolayers by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) are used to monitor changes in the ionization of monolayers of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid. When using an anionic redox probe, Fe(CN)6(-4), the charge-transfer resistance of the 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid monolayer-modified interface increases in a sigmoidal fashion as the solution is made basic. The opposite effect is observed when using a cationic redox probe. The inflection points of these two titration curves, however, differ when using the different redox probes. This result is taken as being characteristic of the influence that applied potential has on the ionization of the monolayer. The role of substrate potential on the ionization of the monolayer is further investigated by SECM. The SECM measurement monitors the concentration of Ru(NH3)6(+3) as the potential of the substrate is varied about the potential of zero charge. For monolayers of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid in solutions buffered near the pKa of the terminal carboxylic acid, potential excursions positive of the PZC cause an increase in the concentration of Ru(NH3)6(+3) local to the interface, and potential excursions negative of the PZC cause a decrease in the local concentration of Ru(NH3)6(+3). Similar experiments conducted with an interface modified with 11-undecanethiol had no impact on the local concentration of Ru(NH3)6(+3). These results are interpreted in terms of the influence that applied potential has on the pH of the solution local to the interface and the impact that this has on the ionization of the monolayer.     

Molecular self-assembly at bare semiconductor surfaces: preparation and characterization of highly organized octadecanethiolate monolayers on GaAs(001)

Through rigorous control of preparation conditions, organized monolayers with a highly reproducible structure can be formed by solution self-assembly of octadecanethiol on GaAs (001) at ambient temperature. A combination of characterization probes reveal a structure with conformationally ordered alkyl chains tilted on average at 14 +/- 1 degrees from the surface normal with a 43 +/- 5 degrees twist, a highly oleophobic and hydrophobic ambient surface, and direct S-GaAs attachment. Analysis of the tilt angle and film thickness data shows a significant mismatch of the average adsorbate molecule spacings with the spacings of an intrinsic GaAs(001) surface lattice. The monolayers are stable up to approximately 100 degrees C and exhibit an overall thermal stability which is lower than that of the same monolayers on Au[111] surfaces. A two-step solution assembly process is observed: rapid adsorption of molecules over the first several hours to form disordered structures with molecules lying close to the substrate surface, followed by a slow densification and asymptotic approach to final ordering. This process, while similar to the assembly of alkanethiols on Au[111], is nearly 2 orders of magnitude slower. Finally, despite differences in assembly rates and the thermal stability, exchange experiments with isotopically tagged molecules show that the octadecanethiol on GaAs(001) monolayers undergo exchange with solute thiol molecules at roughly the same rate as the corresponding exchanges of the same monolayers on Au[111].     

Switching the electrochemical impedance of low-density self-assembled monolayers

Because the active remodeling of biointerfaces is a paramount feature of nature, it is very likely that future, advanced biomaterials will be required to mimic at least certain aspects of the dynamic properties of natural interfaces. This need has fueled a quest for model surfaces that can undergo reversible switching upon application of external stimuli. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a model system for studying reversibly switching surfaces based on low-density monolayers of mercaptohexadecanoic acid and mercaptoundecanoic acid. These monolayers were assembled on both gold and silver electrodes. When conducting electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under physiological conditions, these monolayers exhibit significant changes in their electrochemical barrier properties upon application of electrical DC potentials below +400 mV with respect to a standard calomel electrode. We further found the impedance switching to be reversible under physiological conditions. Moreover, the impedance can be fine-tuned by changing the magnitude of the applied electrical potential. Before and during impedance switching at pH 7.4 in aqueous buffer solutions, the low-density monolayers showed good stability according to grazing angle infrared spectroscopy data. We anticipate low-density monolayers to be potentially useful model surfaces when designing active biointerfaces for cell-based studies or rechargeable biosensors.     

Protein-directed assembly of binary monolayers at the interface and surface patterns of protein on the monolayers

Ferritin-directed assembly of binary monolayers of zwitterionic dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and cationic dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DOMA) at the interface and surface patterns of ferritin on the monolayers have been investigated using a combination of infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and atomic force microscopy. Ferritin binding to the binary monolayers at the air-water interface at the surface pressure 30 mN/m, primarily driven by the electrostatic interaction, gives rise to a change in tilt angle of hydrocarbon chains from 15 degrees +/- 1 degrees to 10 degrees +/- 1 degrees with respect to the normal of the monolayer at the mole fraction of DOMA (XDOMA) of 0.1. The chains at XDOMA = 0.3 are oriented vertical to the water surface before and after protein binding. A new mechanism for protein binding to the binary monolayers is proposed. The secondary structures of the adsorbed ferritin are prevented from changing to some extent due to the existence of the monolayers. The amounts of the bound protein on the monolayers at the air-water interface are increased in comparison with those on the pre-immobilized monolayers at low XDOMA. The increased amounts and different patterns of the adsorbed protein at the monolayers are mostly attributed to the formation of multiple binding sites available for ferritin, which is due to the lateral reorganization of the lipid components in the monolayers induced by the protein in the subphase. The created multiple binding sites on the monolayer surfaces through the protein-directed assembly can be preserved for subsequent protein binding.     

Stepwise surface regeneration of electrochemical immunosensors working on biocatalyzed precipitation

A new strategy of stepwise surface regeneration for electrochemical immunosensors, working on a biocatalyzed precipitation reaction, has been developed. The strategy is based on the combination of deposited product thin-film dissolution and bound-protein displacement reactions from the modified sensor surfaces. As a model system, surfaces functionalized with biotin groups and their affinity recognition/ displacement reactions with antibiotin antibody molecules were chosen and investigated for affinity-sensing and stepwise regeneration reactions.