Soft-landing of peptide ions onto self-assembled monolayer surfaces: an overview

This review is focused on what has been learned in recent research studies concerned with fundamental aspects of soft-landing and reactive landing of peptide ions on self-assembled monolayer surfaces (SAMs). Peptide ions are particularly attractive model systems that provide important insights on the behavior of soft landed proteins, while SAMs provide a convenient and flexible platform for tailoring the interfacial properties of metals and semiconductor surfaces. Deposition of mass-selected ions on surfaces is accompanied by a number of processes including charge reduction, neutralization, covalent and non-covalent binding, and thermal desorption of ions and molecules from the substrate. Factors that affect the competition between these processes are discussed.     

Electrochemical detection of copper(II) at a gold electrode modified with a self-assembled monolayer of penicillamine

A penicillamine (PCA) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was prepared on a gold electrode. It has been found that the modified electrode exhibited a selective response to copper ions. As demonstrated by cyclic voltammetric experiments, the SAM-based electrode showed an attractive ability to preconcentrate efficiently traces of copper(II) from solutions. Under optimum conditions, the anodic peak current was proportional to the concentration of Cu(II) in the range from 8.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ M with a detection limit of 4.0 × 10⁻⁷ M. Moreover, this modified gold electrode is also characterized by excellent repeatability, showing a relative standard deviation of 3.2% for nine successive measurements of 1.0 × 10⁻⁵ M Cu(II). The PCA/Au SAM gold electrode was used for the determination of Cu(II) in a tap water sample and the results showed a good agreement with the data obtained by atomic emission spectrometry. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Electron transport through a self-assembled monolayer of thiol-end-functionalized tetraphenylporphines and metal tetraphenylporphines

The monolayers of several thiol-end-functionalized tetraphenylphophines (SH-TPP) and metal tetraphenylporphines (SH-MTPP) were self-assembled on gold surfaces and identified by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electrochemical microscopy, and the contact angle. The CV peaks of the [Fe(CN)6]3-/ [Fe(CN)6]4- couple were used to identify the efficiency of electrons transferring through the self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The results suggested that SH-TPP and SH-MTPP could form high-quality SAMs on gold surfaces. The SAMs blocked electron transport from the gold electrode to solution. When the length of the thiol-end-link spacer (alkyl group) increased, the electron transport ability of the SAM decreased because of the increased insulator properties of the alkyl chain. With the insertion of metallic ions, the electron transport ability of the SAM of SH-MTPP increased compared to that of the SAM of SH-TPP, which was probably due to the fact that (i) the insertion of metallic ions changed the molecular structure and the molecular structure of SH-MTPP played an important role in electron transport through the SAM and (ii) the insertion of metallic ions increased the electron tunneling probability through the monolayer.     

Micropatterning of copper on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate modified with a self-assembled monolayer

We have developed a technique for the site-selective electroless deposition of Cu on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate modified with an organic self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The PET substrate was first modified with a silica-like layer by being dip-coated in an acetone solution of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and treated with UV light. The PET substrate was further modified with thiol groups using a 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane-SAM and then irradiated by UV light through a photomask to prepare thiol-group regions and OH-group regions. Cu was then deposited on only the thiol-group regions of the substrate by electroless deposition in a neutral solution with no catalysts by using dimethylamineborane as a reducing reagent. This site-selective deposition process can control the deposition conditions by an organic thin film fabricated on a surface-modified PET substrate, and thus can be applied to other low heat-resistant substrates.     

Self-assembled monolayers of electroactive polychlorotriphenylmethyl radicals on Au(111)

Two new polychlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) derivatives bearing a thioacetate and a disulfide group have been synthesized to anchor on gold substrate. On the basis of these molecules, three strategies were followed to prepare self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of electroactive PTMs. The resulting SAMs were fully characterized by contact angle, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS). The high coverage surface and stability of the SAMs were demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry. In addition, the electrochemical experiments proved that these SAMs are bistable since it is possible to reversibly switch between the PTM radical state to the corresponding anion. The magnetic response was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance. We observed that when the PTM SAMs are in their radical form they confer magnetic functionality to the surface, whereas when they are in the anionic state, the surface is diamagnetic. Thus, the PTM-modified substrates are multifunctional surfaces since they combine magnetic and electroactive properties. The reported results show the high potential of these materials for the fabrication of surface molecular devices.     

Detection of metal ions using ion-channel sensor based on self-assembled monolayer of thioctic acid

Gold electrodes were chemically modified with thioctic acid monolayer designed to mimic biological ion-channel membranes. The technique was then used in the determination of alkali, alkaline earth, thallium(I), and lanthanum metal cations as analytes. Cyclic voltammograms (CV) of [Fe(CN)6]³⁻ an electroactive marker, were measured in the presence of the various types of analyte cations. In the absence of the analyte cation, electrostatic repulsion between the marker anions and the carboxylate groups of the receptor monolayer hindered the approach of the marker anion to the electrode surface and hence hindered its reduction. The modified electrodes responded well to the metal cations except the alkali metal cations. The sensors could detect the trivalent cation La³⁺ at concentrations as low as 10⁻⁸ M. The response of the sensor to the metal cations increase in the order alkali metal3+ can be discriminated in the ratio 1:100. This makes it possible to determine the trivalent ion in a sample matrix containing monovalent and divalent cations. Thallium(I) ion showed marked deviation in its response as compared to monovalent ions of the alkali metals. The ion-channel sensor based on self-assembled monolayer of thioctic acid therefore offers a potential alternative technique for the selective determination of metal ions.     

Synthesis,X-ray structure and magnetic properties of a unusual transition Co(II) complex with polychlorotriphenylmethyl radicals

A new cobalt(II) complex with a polychlorotriphenylmethyl radical ligand properly functionalized with a carboxylate group (PTMMC⁻), [Co(PTMMC)₂(py)₂(H₂O)₂]·[Co(PTMMC) (py)₃(H₂O)(Cl)]₂·2py·2THF (3), has been synthesized and characterized including single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 3 consists of two different Co(II) units, [Co(PTMMC)₂(py)₂(H₂O)₂] (3A) and [Co(PTMMC) (py)₃(H₂O)(Cl)] (3B), which cocrystallize together with two molecules of pyridine and two molecules of THF. Its magnetic behaviour shows the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions between the PTMMC radicals and the Co(II) ions. The experimental data was fitted to a magnetic model based on the sum of a linear trimer (S_R1…S_Co…S_R2) and a dimer (S_Co…S_R3) to give a Co(II)-radical exchange coupling of J/K_B=−16.0 K for both complexes.     

Surface reconstitution of glucose oxidase onto a norbornylogous bridge self-assembled monolayer

An electrode construct was fabricated in which a self-assembled monolayer containing a novel norbornylogous bridge was covalently attached to flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), the redox active centre of several oxidase enzymes. The electrochemistry of the construct was investigated before and after the reconstitution of glucose oxidase around the surface bound FAD. Rapid rates of electron transfer were observed both before and after the reconstitution of biocatalytically active enzyme. However, no biocatalytic activity was observed under anaerobic conditions suggesting the a lack of enzyme turnover through direct electron transfer. It is proposed that a decrease in the electronic coupling between the redox active FAD and the electrode following reconstitution of the glucose oxidase – a probable consequence of the FAD being immersed in a protein environment – was responsible for the inability of the enzyme to be turned over under anaerobic conditions.     

Confirmation of heavy metal ions in used lubricating oil from a passenger car using chelating self-assembled monolayer

In order to prevent engine failure, the oil must be changed before it loses its protective properties. It is necessary to monitor the actual physical and chemical condition of the oil to reliably determine the optimum oil-change interval. Our study focuses on the condition of the lubricating oil in an operated car engine. Shear stress curves and viscosity curves as a function of the shear rate for fresh and used lubricating oil were examined. Metal nitrate was detected in the lubricating oil from the operated car engine through the use of a chelating self-assembled monolayer.     

Electrochemical behavior of the bis(2,2'-bipyridyl)copper(II) complex immobilized on a self-assembled monolayer modified electrode for L-ascorbic acid detection

Modification of a gold electrode has been achieved by immobilizing a bis(2,2'-bipyridyl)copper(II) complex in a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 3-mercaptopropionic acid. The electrostatic interaction of the negatively charged SAM with a di-positive copper complex allowed the attachment. The modified electrode exhibited excellent redox behavior. The dependence of the modified electrode response was investigated in terms of pH, supporting electrolyte and ionic strength. Moreover, it showed good electrocatalytic activity for ascorbic acid oxidation, allowing convenient quantification at levels down to 8.1 x 10(-8) mol l(-1). The [Cu(bipy)2]/SAM modified electrode under optimized operational conditions (PIPES buffer 0.01 mol l(-1) at pH 6.8 and 200 mV vs. SCE) presented a linear response range between 1.0 micromol l(-1) and 100.0 micromol l(-1) for ascorbic acid. This modified electrode also presented an excellent repeatability, showing a relative standard deviation of 2.1% for a series of 12 successive measurements of a 5.0 micromol l(-1) ascorbic acid solution. Furthermore, the electroactivity was maintained over a long period (e.g., 92% after 100 determinations).     

Synthesis and structure of highly substituted pyrazole ligands and their complexes with platinum(II) and palladium(II) metal ions

Reaction of 3-methoxycarbonyl-2-methyl- or 3-dimethoxyphosphoryl-2-methyl-substituted 4-oxo-4H-chromones 1 with N-methylhydrazine resulted in the formation of isomeric, highly substituted pyrazoles 4 (major products) and 5 (minor products). Intramolecular transesterification of 4 and 5 under basic conditions led, respectively, to tricyclic derivatives 7 and 8. The structures of pyrazoles 4a (dimethyl 2-methyl-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl-phosphonate) and 4b (methyl 4-oxo-2-methyl-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate) were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Pyrazoles 4a and 4b were used as ligands (L) in the formation of ML₂Cl₂ complexes with platinum(II) or palladium(II) metal ions (M). Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II), used as the metal ion reagent, gave both trans-[Pt(4a)₂Cl₂] and cis-[Pt(4a)₂Cl₂], complexes with ligand 4a, and only cis-[Pt(4b)₂Cl₂] isomer with ligand 4b. Palladium complexes were obtained by the reaction of bis(benzonitrile)dichloropalladium(II) with the test ligands. trans-[Pd(4a)₂Cl₂] and trans-[Pd(4b)₂Cl₂] were the exclusive products of these reactions. The structures of all the complexes were confirmed by IR, ¹H NMR and FAB MS spectral analysis, elemental analysis and Kurnakov tests.     

Development of a myoglobin impedimetric immunosensor based on mixed self-assembled monolayer onto gold

Immunosensors rely on antibody-antigen binding with a range of possible detection methodologies. In this study, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to monitor the sensor surface assembly and recognition of the analyte (myoglobin). Myoglobin is rapidly released into the circulatory system after an acute myocardial infarction and rapidly rising levels make it the first biochemical marker of myocardial damage. The immunosensor fabrication steps comprised the steps of (a) formation of mixed self-assembled monolayers (mSAM) on gold electrodes using a mixture of biotinyl-phospholipid and mer captohexadecanoic acid; (b) neutravidin functionalisation and (c) attachment of biotinyl anti-myoglobin antibodies. A range of analyte concentration (10⁻¹²–10⁻⁶ M) was successfully detected in phosphate buffered saline and in serum concentration ranging from 10% (v/v) to 100% (v/v) serum. Quartz crystal microbalance and atomic force microscopy studies were carried out to study each step of fabrication to elucidate binding characteristics and surface topography. Correspondence: Morsaline Billah, Institute of Membrane and Systems Biology, Garstang Building, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom     

Adsorption of heavy metal ions onto dithizone-anchored poly (EGDMA-HEMA) microbeads

The dithizone-anchored poly (EGDMA-HEMA) microbeads were prepared for the removal of heavy metal ions (i.e. cadmium, mercury, chromium and lead) from aqueous media containing different amounts of these ions (25-500 ppm) and at different pH values (2.0-8.0). The maximum adsorptions of heavy metal ions onto the dithizone-anchored microbeads from their solutions was 18.3, Cd(II); 43.1, Hg(II); 62.2, Cr(III) and 155.2 mg g(-1) for Pb(II). Competition between heavy metal ions (in the case of adsorption from mixture) yielded adsorption capacities of 9.7, Cd(II); 28.7, Hg(II); 17.6, Cr(III) and 38.3 mg g(-1) for Pb(II). The same affinity order was observed under non-competitive and competitive adsorption, i.e. Cr(III)>Pb(II)>Hg(II)>Cd(II). The adsorption of heavy metal ions increased with increasing pH and reached a plateaue value at around pH 5.0. Heavy metal ion adsorption from artificial wastewater was also studied. The adsorption capacities are 4.3, Cd(II); 13.2, Hg(II); 7.2, Cr(III) and 16.4 mg g(-1) for Pb(II). Desorption of heavy metal ions was achieved using 0.1 M HNO(3). The dithizone-anchored microbeads are suitable for repeated use (for more than five cycles) without noticeable loss of capacity.     

Grafting of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) onto Poly(Vinyl Chloride) through Benzodithioate Groups

The synthesis and the characterization of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) grafted to poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) through benzodithioate groups are studied. Unlike results generally obtained with conventional free-radical initiators for systems involving PVC and MMA, high conversions, and grafting efficiencies are achieved with azobis-isobutyronitrile. The paper describes the synthesis of p-vinylbenzodithioate-containing PVC and the dependence of the characteristics of PVC-g-PMMA on the composition of the reaction mixture. Characterization of the graft copolymers includes UV and IR spectroscopy, GPC, and microstructure analysis by removal of PMMA side chains by aminolysis of dithioesters groups. Intrinsic viscosity, glass transition temperature, and thermal sensitivity were investigated to confirm the grafted nature of the copolymer.     

The interaction of carbon-centered radicals with copper(I) and copper(II) complexes*

Abstract

Although alkylcopper(I) reagents are widespread, compounds containing alkyl ligands on Cu^II or Cu^III are much less common. Such complexes, however, are generated as transient species when carbon-center radicals add to Cu^I or Cu^II complexes, respectively, and appear to be involved in several copper-catalyzed organic transformations. A few organocopper(II) and organocopper(III) complexes were found sufficiently robust to allow isolation and full characterization. This article reviews the reactivity of carbon-centered radicals with Cu^I and Cu^II ions, both in aqueous and non-aqueous environments, with focus on the importance of the resulting organocopper species on atom transfer radical polymerization and on copper-catalyzed radical termination.     

Complexing between copper(II) and bulky substituted 3-benzoyl thioureas in copper(II) hexacyanoferrate(II) gelatin-immobilized matrix systems

A novel route to complexes of CuII with various bulky substituted 3-benzoylthioureas: [(1-(2-hydroxy)phenyl-, 1-(4-hydroxy)phenyl-, 1,1-dibenzyl-, 1-methyl-1-phenyl-, 1-N-pentamethylene-] and 1-N-3-oxatetramethylene-3-benzoylthiourea, complexed to a CuII hexacyanoferrate- (II) gelatin-immobilized matrix in contact with aqueous alkali (pH 12.0) solutions of the ligands indicated, has been developed. Under the conditions specified, coordination of each ligand is preceded by decomposition of CuII-hexacyanoferrate(II) to give polymeric copper(II) hydroxide under the influence of OH– ions. With CuII-1-(4-hydroxy)phenyl-3-benzoylthiourea, three different water-insoluble coordination compounds are formed; in the other CuII-ligand systems, two types of complexes are formed, whereas complexing in solution or solid phase in these systems results, as a rule, in the formation of only one coordination compound. In systems such as CuII-1-naphthyl-3-benzoylthiourea, CuII-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butyl)benzyl-3-benzoylthiourea and CuII-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butyl) phenethyl-3-benzoylthiourea, complexing in CuII hexacyanoferrate(II) gelatin-immobilized matrices (GIM) is not observed.     

Long-term stability of a gold electrode modified with a self-assembled monolayer of octabutylthiophthalocyaninato-cobalt(II) towards l-cysteine detection

In this paper, a gold electrode, modified with octabutylthiophthalocyaninato-cobalt(II) self-assembled monolayer (SAM), was used in the detection of l-cysteine in pH=4 buffer. The SAM showed good electrocatalytic activity and increased the electron transfer rate in such a way that mass-transport became the rate determining step of the overall oxidation reaction of l-cysteine. From these data the diffusion coefficient of l-cysteine was calculated and a value of 4.8±1.1×10⁻⁵ cm² s⁻¹ was obtained. The electrode was found to be stable for l-cysteine detection over a period of one month with a detection limit of 3.1±0.8×10⁻⁷ mol l⁻¹ if the electrode was stored in a pH=4 buffer. Despite these promising results three effects should be taken into account for potential application: first a memory effect limits the frequency of detection to one per 6 min; secondly the electron tunneling effect limits the current density for mass-transport up to 5 μA cm⁻² and finally, the electrode should be activated prior to use for analytical purposes.