A photoelectronic switching device using a mixed self-assembled monolayer

A cathodic-anodic biway photoelectronic device has been successfully constructed using a self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The SAM consists of two kinds of photofunctional thiol derivatives, a ruthenium complex-viologen linked compound (RuVS) and a phthalocyanine derivative (PcS), on a gold electrode. Structural characterization of the SAM has been carried out by absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry. Photocurrent responses were measured in the presence of methyl viologen (MV2+) and oxygen as electron acceptors and triethanolamine (TEOA) as a sacrificial reagent. For the SAM of RuVS alone, intramolecular electron transfer (ET) was superior to intermolecular ET, resulting in anodic photocurrents even in the presence of MV2+ and oxygen at 0 V vs Ag/AgCl. On the contrary, only cathodic photocurrents were observed at 0 V for the SAM of PcS alone. Photocurrents from the mixed SAM of RuVS and PcS were roughly the sum of individual photocurrents from RuVS and PcS. In fact, photocurrents from the mixed SAM of RuVS and PcS were observed in the anodic direction below approximately 550 nm, and in the cathodic direction above approximately 550 nm at 0 V vs Ag/AgCl. In the case of the mixed SAM of RuS (ruthenium complex disulfide) and PcS, only cathodic photocurrents were observed at 0 V vs Ag/AgCl, due to the lack of an intramolecular ET pathway. The results indicate that in the mixed SAM of RuVS and PcS both dyes can individually function for opposite photocurrent generation. We have also applied the mixed SAM as a photoelectronic logic device by using two LEDs (470 and 640 nm). The system clearly operated as an XOR logic device.     

Preferential adsorption of amino-terminated silane in a binary mixed self-assembled monolayer

The composition and structure of a binary mixed self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS, NH(2)(CH(2))(3)Si(OCH(2)CH(3))(3)) and octadecyltrimethoxysilane (ODS, CH(3)(CH(2))(17)Si(OCH(3))(3)) on a silicon oxide surface have been characterized by water contact-angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. XPS demonstrated that APS in the mixed SAM is significantly enriched in comparison to that in solution, indicating the preferential adsorption of APS during the SAM formation. AFM observations showed that the mixed SAM becomes rougher. SFG revealed that the coadsorption of APS induced a conformation disordering in the ODS molecules present in the mixed SAM. The surface enrichment of APS has been explained in terms of differences in the surface adsorption rates of the two components as well as in the self-congregation states of APS molecules in the bulk solution. Furthermore, the structure of the water molecules on the mixed SAM surface in contact with the aqueous solutions at different pH's has also been studied. The results indicate that the mixed-SAM modified surface is positively charged at pH < 5 and negatively charged at pH > 7.     

Characterization of the mixed self-assembled monolayer at the molecular scale

The mixed SAM obtained by the self-assembly of the monothiolated calix[4]crown-5 receptor 1 and the subsequent addition of the thiolated alkylferrocene guest 3 was characterized at the molecular scale by the favorable receptor-guest interactions by using cyclic voltammetry (CV).     

Well-ordered self-assembled monolayers created via vapor-phase reactions on a monolayer template

The reaction of vapor-phase alkyl isocyanates (O=C=N-(CH2)n-1CH3) with OH-terminated alkanethiol template monolayers on Au produces well-organized self-assembled monolayers, containing intrachain carbamate linkages (Au/S(CH2)16O(C=O)NH(CH2)n-1CH3, where n = 1-8, 11, and 12). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle goniometry, and reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy suggest that the template surface completely reacts with the isocyanates yielding a monolayer that contains an interchain hydrogen-bonded carbamate network. Spectroscopic data indicates that the alkyl underlayer remains well ordered following reaction with the isocyanates. The order of the overlayer and the hydrogen-bonding interactions between adjacent chains increase as a function of the alkyl isocyanate chain length, n. The overlayer appears to be well ordered for n > or = 5.     

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     

Phase transitions of an ionic liquid self-assembled monolayer on Au

The properties of a surface modified with an ionic liquid self-assembled monolayer (IL-SAM) can be tuned by simply changing the deposition temperature. Mid-IR, SERS, and molecular modelling demonstrated that 1-(12-mercaptododecyl)-3-methylimidazolium bromide (MDMIBr) exhibited a crystalline monolayer for deposition temperatures below 25 °C. Above 25 °C, the aliphatic chain collapsed into a disordered conformation. At 40 °C, another phase transition occurs due to the imidazolium group tilting parallel to the surface. Consequently, the wettability of IL-SAM was tuned over a broad range of contact angle (from 20° to nearly 40°) by varying the deposition temperature. Permeation of redox mediators to a Au electrode coated with MDMIBr strongly depends on the net charge of the redox mediator. Electron transfer was excellent for neutral and negatively charged redox mediators on electrodes coated with IL-SAM regardless of deposition temperature.     

Electrochemistry of a carotenoid self-assembled monolayer

A carotenoid self-assembled monolayer was prepared by dipping a gold electrode into a solution of 4^′-thioxo-β,β-caroten-4-one in acetonitrile. Electrochemistry of the surface layer was investigated by cyclic voltammetry in an aqueous solution. No electrochemical reaction was detected in the potential region between 0.5 and −0.6 V vs. SCE. The anodic reaction of adsorbed carotenoid occurs at 0.8 V, whereas the irreversible anodic desorption proceeds at 1.4 V in 0.01 M HClO₄. Formation of the surface layer resulted in a decrease of the charging current as well as in a strong inhibition of the electron transfer reaction for species such as Fe(CN)₆³⁻, Ru(NH₃)₆³⁺, and dissolved oxygen. Prolonged voltage cycling in the O₂ reduction range induced some changes in the surface layer characteristics that were tentatively accounted for by the cross-linking of adsorbed molecules under the effect of transient oxygen radicals.     

Mediating electron transfer from bacteria to a gold electrode via a self-assembled monolayer

Numerous bacterial genera are known to respire anaerobically using macroscopic electrodes as electron acceptors. Typically, inexpensive graphite electrodes, which are readily colonized, are used to monitor electrogenic bacterial metabolism for microbial fuel cell and bioelectronics studies. We compare current production by electrogenic bacteria on gold electrodes coated with various alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers to current production on glassy carbon electrodes. Current production is correlated to chain length and headgroup of the monolayer molecules as expected. Relative to graphite, the coated gold electrodes achieve more reproducible experimental conditions and certain headgroups enhance electronic coupling to the bacteria.     

Electrochemical characterization of a mixed self-assembled monolayer of 6-thioguanine and guanine on a mercury electrode

A monolayer constituted by chemisorbed 6-thioguanine and physisorbed guanine molecules was formed on a hanging mercury drop electrode from deoxygenated solutions of 6-thioguanine (6TG) and guanine (G). The mixed monolayer was characterized by chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry, and phase-sensitive ac voltammetry under in situ conditions, and the experimental data revealed a compact packing of molecules in the film. Ex situ measurements in the presence of dissolved oxygen proved that the mixed monolayer is stable in solutions lacking 6TG and G.     

DNA-directed protein immobilization on mixed self-assembled monolayers via a streptavidin bridge

The simultaneous detection of multiple analytes is an important consideration for the advancement of biosensor technology. Currently, few sensor systems possess the capability to accurately and precisely detect multiple antigens. This work presents a simple approach for the functionalization of sensor surfaces suitable for multichannel detection. This approach utilizes self-assembled monolayer (SAM) chemistry to create a nonfouling, functional sensor platform based on biotinylated single-stranded DNA immobilized via a streptavidin bridge to a mixed SAM of biotinylated alkanethiol and oligo(ethylene glycol). Nonspecific binding is minimized with the nonfouling background of the sensor surface. A usable protein chip is generated by applying protein-DNA conjugates which are directed to specific sites on the sensor chip surface by utilizing the specificity of DNA hybridization. The described platform is demonstrated in a custom-built surface plasmon resonance biosensor. The detection capabilities of a sensor using this protein array have been characterized using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The platform shows a higher sensitivity in detection of hCG than that observed using biotinylated antibodies. Results also show excellent specificity in protein immobilization to the proper locations in the array. The vast number of possible DNA sequences combine with the selectivity of base-pairing makes this platform an excellent candidate for a sensor capable of multichannel protein detection.     

Photoinduced phase separation and miscibility in the condensed phase of a mixed Langmuir monolayer

We report our studies on the mixed Langmuir monolayer of mesogenic molecules, p-(ethoxy)-p-phenylazo phenyl hexanoate (EPPH) and octyl cyano biphenyl (8CB), employing the techniques of surface manometry and Brewster angle microscopy. Our studies show that the mixed monolayer exhibits higher collapse pressures for certain mole fractions of EPPH in 8CB as compared to individual monolayers. Also, a considerable reduction in the area per molecule is seen in the mixed monolayer, indicating a condensed phase. We have also studied the photostability of the mixed monolayer at different initial surface pressures. The mixed monolayer, under alternate cycles of UV and visible illumination, exhibits changes in surface pressures. This is due to the photoinduced transformation of EPPH isomers in the mixed monolayer. Our in-situ Brewster angle microscope studies for 0.5 mole fraction of EPPH in 8CB show a phase separation in the UV and a miscible phase in the visible, at low surface pressures ( approximately 5 mN/m). At higher surface pressures ( approximately 10 mN/m), under UV illumination, we find a phase separation which does not revert to a miscible phase under visible illumination.     

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.     

Electrochemical kinetic analysis of a 1,4-hydroxynaphthoquinone self-assembled monolayer

Electroactive 5-hydroxy-3-hexanedithiol-1,4-naphthoquinone (JUG_thio) has been self-assembled on gold. Electrochemical results show the surface coverage is 2.2 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol cm⁻², which is consistent with a dense monolayer. The JUG_thio shows one quasi-reversible and stable voltametric wave in aqueous buffered solution. A kinetic analysis of the redox reactions involving both electron and proton transfer has revealed an unusual behaviour of this molecule due to the presence of the hydroxyl function in the vicinity of the quinone group. The apparent kinetic rate constant and the anodic coefficient transfer of this reaction depend on the pH. In acid medium, a classical concerted 2e⁻/2H⁺ mechanism is obtained. In basic medium (pH > 7), strong intramolecular hydrogen interactions between the quinone and the hydroxyl function have a strong influence on the redox kinetics. These results show that JUG_thio electroactivity is very sensitive to hydrogen interactions in neutral and basic pH solution and is able to act as sensitive layer for electrochemical biosensing.     

Enzymatic nanolithography of a self-assembled oligonucleotide monolayer on gold

This paper describes a simple strategy to biochemically manipulate a surface at the nanoscale by enzyme dip-pen nanolithography using an endonuclease (DNase I) that is directly patterned on a self-assembled monolayer presenting a terminal oligonucleotide. Physisorbed nanopatterns of DNase I carried out nanoscale enzymology at the surface creating oligonucleotide patterns with the fidelity of the patterned enzyme because of the affinity of the enzyme for the immobilized, oligonucleotide substrate.     

Electrochemical study of self-assembled monolayer adsorption

The electrochemical behaviour of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of aliphatic hexadecanethiol was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), elimination voltammetry with linear scan (EVLS) and crystal quartz microbalance (QCM). SAMs were electrochemically created on gold-coated QCM crystal through the sulphur in 1-hexadecanethiol molecule head group. The effect of thiol concentration and potential scan rate on the SAM formation was studied. Formation of SAM was confirmed by CV and QCM. EVLS results revealed the kinetically controlled process followed with electrode reaction in adsorbed state characteristic for SAM formation at lower concentration. The electrode reaction of a totally adsorbed electroactive species was indicated by means of a peak-counter peak signal at higher thiol concentration.     

Phase dependent electrochemical properties of polar self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) modified via the fusion of mixed phospholipid vesicles

Unilamellar vesicles of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) and varying quantities of either 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) (sodium salt) (DMPG) or 1,2-dimyristoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (chloride salt) (DMTAP) were used to deposit lipid bilayer assemblies on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold. The supporting SAMs in turn were composed of ferrocene-functionalized hexadecanethiol chains (FcC16SH) diluted to low coverage in 1-hydroxylhexadecanethiol (HOC16SH) or a single-component monolayer phase of the latter. The mass coverages of the DMPC/DMPG layers deposited in this way were measured using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and found to decrease with an increasing content of DMPG in the vesicles. The SPR data show that the lipid assembly, while stable with respect to gentle rinsing in aqueous buffer, is reversible and the lipid adlayer is removable by immersion in a solvent such as ethanol. The effects of the adsorbed lipid layer on the electrochemical interactions of the hybrid lipid/SAM with several redox probes [e.g., K4Fe(CN)6, Ru(NH3)6Cl3, and CsHsFe-[(C5H4CH2N+H(CH3)2] were characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV). At a composition of 5% DMPG in DMPC, the permeabilities of the probes through the lipid layer were affected significantly relative to that observed with a pure DMPC layer. These effects include a striking observation of an enhanced, ionic-charge-specific molecular discrimination of the electrochemical probes. At higher concentrations of the DMPG, significant permeation of the lipid adlayer was seen for all the probes. These latter changes are also attended by a significant increase in the capacitive currents measured in CV experiments as compared to those observed for either a pure SAM or one modified by only DMPC. This effect likely results from the influence of the charged lipid on the diffuse Gouy-Chapman electrolyte layer at the SAM interface. In contrast to the behaviors seen with DMPG, the incorporation of DMTAP into the adsorbed DMPC had no impact on the permeation of the adlayer by soluble redox probes as judged by the observed electrochemistry, a result that appears to correlate with a less ideal mixing of lipids in the DMPC/DMTAP system relative to that of a DMPC/DMPG mixture.     

Photochemical patterning of a self-assembled monolayer of 7-diazomethylcarbonyl-2,4,9-trithiaadmantane on gold films via Wolff rearrangement

Photolithographic attachment of functional organic molecules via ester or amide linkages to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold thin films was achieved by employing a novel photoreactive surface anchor, 7-diazomethylcarbonyl-2,4,9-trithiaadmantane. The photoreactive SAM was prepared by the spontaneous physical adsorption of the photoreactive surface anchor onto gold surfaces. The alpha-diazo ketone moiety of the SAM was found to display the classical Wolff rearrangement reactivity to produce a ketene intermediate on the exposed area. Organic molecules such as alcohols and amines can thus be attached to the gold surfaces selectively by the facile in situ formation of ester or amide linkages. The structure and reactivity of the photoreactive surface anchor were characterized by real-time FT-IR, fluorescence, and polarization modulation infrared reflectance absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS). The Wolff rearrangement reactivity of the SAM suggested that a "surface-isolated" carbonylcarbene may be generated when the SAM was exposed to 255-nm irradiation.     

Ultrafast vibrational dynamics and spectroscopy of a siloxane self-assembled monolayer

Time and frequency domain sum-frequency generation (SFG) were combined to study the dynamics and structure of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on a fused silica surface. SFG-free induction decay (SFG-FID) of octadecylsilane SAM in the CH stretching region shows a relatively long time scale oscillation that reveals that six vibrational modes are involved in the response of the system. Five of the modes have commonly been used for the fitting of SFG spectra in the CH stretching region, namely the symmetric stretch and Fermi resonance of the methyl group, the antisymmetric stretch of the methyl, as well as the symmetric and antisymmetric stretches of the methylene group. The assignment of the sixth mode to the terminal CH(2) group was confirmed by performing a density function theory calculation. The SFG-FID measures the vibrational dephasing time (T(2)) of each of the modes, including a specific CH(2) group within the SAM, the terminal CH(2), which had never been measured before. The relatively long (～1.3 ps) dephasing of the terminal CH(2) suggests that alkyl monolayer structure is close to that of the liquid condensed phase of Langmuir Blodgett films.