Effect of several sterilisation techniques on homogeneous self assembled monolayers

Understanding how cells sense their environment and are able to regulate their metabolism is of great importance for the success of biomaterials implantation. Self assembled monolayers (SAMs) are in use nowadays to model the surface of such materials. They permit the control of different surface parameters (like chemistry, surface energy and topography) enabling to get a greater insight in cells behaviour when interacting with surfaces and thus, in the future, to enhance surface properties of biomaterials. As sterilisation is the compulsory step for in vitro and in vivo assays with living biological materials, it is important to know how SAMs react under sterilisation techniques in use on biomaterials. In this work, the effect of three types of sterilisation techniques: gamma-irradiation, mostly used on biomaterials, dry heat and steam autoclaving, have been investigated on NH2 and CH3 terminated SAMs. Gamma-irradiation destructs drastically the NH2 and partially the CH3 monolayers by producing oxidative compounds (COOH, C=O, C-OH). The main product induced by gamma-irradiation on NH2 monolayers is carboxylic acid, whereas CH3 shows an important increase in the amount of alcoholic groups. This difference in deterioration is assumed to be due to the higher stability of the CH3 monolayer. Steam autoclaving to a lesser extent gives the same results on NH2 monolayers. Dry heat seems to be the most reliable technique, which can be used on such surfaces as it removes physically adsorbed organic contaminants without affecting the integrity of the surface.     

Nitroxyl radical self assembled monolayers: Ion pairing investigation in organic and aqueous media

Self assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed from TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) derivative thiols have been studied by electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) in both aqueous and non-aqueous solvents. The in situ study of the mass transport occurring during the oxidation of TEMPO provides evidence of a ion pair formation without incorporation of solvent in densely packed nitroxyl radical SAMs. For SAMs having a low nitroxyl radical surface coverage, the effect of mixed SAMs is evidenced and seems to avoid the solvent incorporation.     

Surface functionalization and surface recognition: Plasmon optical detection of molecular recognition at self assembled monolayers

The synthesis of biotin- functionalized organic mercaptans and their chemisorption on gold surfaces is described. Biotin bound covalently to self assembled monolayers is recognized by streptavidin from aqueous buffer solutions. Spacer length and packing density of the biotin labels on the organic surface determine the docking kinetics. With a flexible and hydrophilic spacer very fast -diffusion controlled-docking is observed. As an alternative method of self assembly the spreading of organic mercaptans on water surfaces is established. Pressure-area diagrams of different functionalized mercaptans and disulfides are shown and their monolayer properties are discussed.     

Multi-site coordination ligands assembled on organostannoxane supports

The reactions of bis(pyrazol-1-yl) acetic acid LCOOH (1) (L = (Pz)₂CH-) and bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetic acid L′COOH (2) (L = (3,5-Me₂Pz)₂CH-) with organotin oxide (hydroxide) precursors, n-BuSn(O)(OH), n-Bu₂SnO, (n-Bu₃Sn)₂O and (Ph₃Sn)₂O has led to the isolation of several organotin compounds containing bispyrazolyl unit(s) on the periphery of the stannoxane structure [n-BuSn(O)O₂CL]₆ (3), [n-BuSn(O)O₂CL′]₆ (4), [n-Bu₃SnO₂CL]_n (5), [n-Bu₃SnO₂CL′]_n (6), [Ph₃SnO₂CL]_n (7), [Ph₃SnO₂CL′]_n (8), [{n-Bu₂SnO₂CL}₂O]₂ (9) and [{n-Bu₂SnO₂CL′}₂O]₂ (10). Compounds 5, 7, 9 and 10 have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. In the solid state, these compounds possess interesting 3-D and 2-D supramolecular networks as a result of intermolecular C-H?O, C-H?N, C-H?Cl and C-H?π interactions.     

A convenient synthesis of long-chain 4-substituted benzyloxycarbonyl alkanethiols for the formation of self assembled monolayers on metal substrates

New 4-substituted benzyl esters of 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid were prepared by developing a practicable synthetic procedure and using readily available staring materials. The compounds synthesized have been characterized by NMR, MS, IR spectra and elemental analysis. The mercapto derivatives are precursors for the formation of self-assembled monolayers on metal substrates. Dedicated to Professor Dr. Manfred Hesse on the occasion of his 70 ^th birthday     

Self assembled monolayers on silicon for molecular electronics

We present an overview of various aspects of the self-assembly of organic monolayers on silicon substrates for molecular electronics applications. Different chemical strategies employed for grafting the self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanes having different chain lengths on native oxide of Si or on bare Si have been reviewed. The utility of different characterization techniques in determination of the thickness, molecular ordering and orientation, surface coverage, growth kinetics and chemical composition of the SAMs has been discussed by choosing appropriate examples. The metal counterelectrodes are an integral part of SAMs for measuring their electrical properties as well as using them for molecular electronic devices. A brief discussion on the variety of options available for the deposition of metal counterelectrodes, that is, soft metal contacts, vapor deposition and soft lithography, has been presented. Various theoretical models, namely, tunneling (direct and Fowler-Nordheim), thermionic emission, Poole-Frenkel emission and hopping conduction, used for explaining the electronic transport in dielectric SAMs have been outlined and, some experimental data on alkane SAMs have been analyzed using these models. It has been found that short alkyl chains show excellent agreement with tunneling models; while more experimental data on long alkyl chains are required to understand their transport mechanism(s). Finally, the concepts and realization of various molecular electronic components, that is, diodes, resonant tunnel diodes, memories and transistors, based on appropriate architecture of SAMs comprising of alkyl chains (sigma- molecule) and conjugated molecules (pi-molecule) have been presented.     

Self assembled molecular monolayers on oxidized inhomogeneous aluminum surfaces

The adsorption and self organization of phosphonic acids on oxidized aluminum surfaces has been investigated by surface sensible techniques: ARXPS, AES and FTIR. The analysis has been performed on Al 99.999 samples and on surfaces of a technical alloy whose surfaces contain iron inclusions. The results obtained lead to the conclusion that self organization is not only possible on perfect defect free surfaces but also on inhomogeneous ones. Received: 24 June 1996 / Accepted: 21 January 1997     

Copper(I) pseudorotaxane monolayers assembled on gold electrodes

Two new copper (I) pseudorotaxanes bearing a thioctic acid appended unit have been prepared and deposited onto a gold electrode surface, leading to surface-attached electroactive pseudorotaxanes.     

TOF-SIMS surface analysis of L-Tryptophan self assembled monolayer

This paper dealt with the preparation and characterization of self — assembled monolayersSAM-s of 1-hexadecanethiole and mercapto acetic acid on the silver nanostructure and subsequently the immobilization with amino acid L-Tryptophane. In order to achieve it, we used the electrodeposition of silver onto nanostructured surface of paraffin impregnated graphite electrode (PIGE). Subsequently, we assembled SAM by choosing the 1-hexadecanethiole and mercaptoacetic acid. These two kinds of SAM underwent the functionalization by L-Tryptophan. The observations of silver on PIGE surfaces were performed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). For surface analysis of the SAM functionalized by L-tryphophan, the TOF-SIMS technique was chosen. Finally, the fragmented ions of the immobilized-L-Tryptophan SAM were determined on the basis of suggested residues and three-dimensional structure. The residues show that the ability of L-Tryptophan to build homogeneous structure is better by mercaptoacetic acid SAM structure than by 1-hexadecanethiol. It was observed that L-Tryptophan built compact surface, which, due its chemical properties, can represent very interesting side regarding biocompatibility, homochirality and robustness in the area of life science.      

Nonbiofouling surface based on amphiphilic alkanethiol self‐assembled monolayers

A series of novel amphiphilic alkanethiols used for preparation of nonbiofouling surfaces have been synthesized and characterized. Surface properties of the resultant self assembled layers have been studied by multiple characterization techniques, such as XPS, Grazing angle infrared spectroscopy (GA‐FTIR) and contact angle measurements. The antifouling performance of surfaces grafted with terminally fluorinated alkanethiols were assayed employing the fouling diatom Nitzschia and ubiquitous Staphylococcus aureus. The results indicated that amphiphilic alkanethiol‐grafted surfaces could effectively reduce the bacterial adhesion and settlement of the fouling diatom. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Properties of mixed lipid monolayers assembled on hydrophobic surfaces through vesicle adsorption

Supported lipid films are becoming increasingly important tools for the study of membrane protein function because of the availability of high-sensitivity surface analytical and patterning techniques. In this study, we have characterized the physical chemical properties of lipid films assembled on hydrophobic surfaces through the spontaneous adsorption of large unilamellar lipid vesicles composed of dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG) and dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC). The density of the lipid films was measured with surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy as the lipid composition of the vesicles and ionic concentration were varied. As expected, monolayer films were formed, but the density of the monolayers was found to be weakly dependent on the lipid composition of the vesicles and strongly dependent on the ionic concentration of the solution in contact with the monolayer. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of the lipid films indicate that they are composed of a homogeneous monolayer. Surface force measurements were used to determine the surface charge and DOPG density of the monolayers. The DOPG content of the films was found to be weakly dependent on the DOPG composition of the vesicles and strongly dependent on the salt concentration of the environment. A model has been developed to describe the behavior of the lipid composition of the films in terms of the hydrophobic, electrostatic, and steric forces acting on the lipid monolayer on the hydrophobic surface.     

A self assembled molecular zipper based on a perfluorophenyl-phenyl diacetylene motif

The synthesis and characterization of a molecular rod consisting of a pentafluorophenyl and a para-dodecylphenyl subunit linked by a diacetylene and its large area self assembly into perfect parallel lines consisting of interlocked molecular rods are reported and discussed.     

Emulsion polymerization of ethylene from mesoporous silica nanoparticles with vinyl functionalized monolayers

Emulsion polymerization of ethylene from vinyl functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (V‐MSNs) was reported. V‐MSNs were synthesized via deposition of vinyl monolayers on the pore walls, and the relative surface coverage of the vinyl monolayers was 74%. A fluorinated P‐O‐chelated nickel catalyst coordinated to the vinyl groups. These V‐MSNs hosting catalysts were full dispersed in water assisted by ultrasonic processor in the presence of surfactants. After addition of ethylene, polyethylene (PE) chains grew from the pores of V‐MSNs, formation of stable nanocomposite latices with solid content up to 17.3%. Our method made V‐MSNs well‐dispersed in the PE matrix. Especially, because of a strong interaction between PE and nanoparticles, a stable V‐MSNs core/PE shell structure was formed upon thermal treatment above melting temperature of the PE. Samples were analyzed by a number of techniques including TEM, N₂ adsorption‐desorption, FTIR, and solid state ²⁹Si NMR, DLS, ¹H NMR, GPC, and DSC. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1393–1402, 2009     

Preparation and functions of self‐assembled monolayers of helix peptides

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of helix peptides oriented vertically to a gold surface were prepared. Negative surface potentials of a few hundred millivolts were observed for the helix peptide SAMs when they were immobilized on gold through the N terminal of the peptides. However, positive surface potentials were generated in the helix peptide SAMs when the N terminal of the peptides was directed the opposite way. The large dipole moment of the helical peptide was thought to be the major factor for generation of the surface potential. The effect of the dipole moment on the electron transfer through the helix peptide SAMs was investigated. Photocurrent generation by photoexcitation of the N‐ethylcarbazolyl group of the peptide SAMs was accelerated by the dipole moment directed toward the gold substrate. Helical peptides were thus shown to be a suitable medium for electron transfer. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 4826–4831, 2000     

Use of self assembled magnetic beads for on-chip protein digestion

The use of grafted trypsin magnetic beads in a microchip for performing protein digestion is described. The PDMS device uses strong magnets to create a magnetic field parallel to the flow with a strong gradient pointing through the center of the chip channel. This allows for the formation of a low-hydrodynamic resistance plug of magnetic trypsin beads that serves as a matrix for protein digestion. This device represents an inexpensive way of fabricating a multi open-tubular-like column with an appropriate pore size for proteins. Kinetics studies of the hydrolysis of a model peptide show a 100-fold increase in digestion speed obtained by the microsystem when compared to a batch wise system. This system also offers the great advantage of easy replacement, as the bead matrix is easily washed out and replaced. High performance and reproducibility for digesting recombinant human growth hormone are confirmed by analysing the digest products in both CE and MALDI-TOF MS. Similar sequence coverage (of about 44%) is obtained from MS analysis of products after 10 minutes on-chip and 4 h with soluble trypsin in bulk.     

Electron transfer studies on cholesterol LB films assembled on thiophenol and 2-naphthalenethiol self-assembled monolayers

We have formed the cholesterol monolayer and multilayer LB films on the self-assembled monolayers of 2-naphthalenethiol (2-NT) and thiophenol (TP) and studied the electrochemical barrier properties of these composite films using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. We have also characterized the cholesterol monolayer film using grazing angle FTIR, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cholesterol has a long hydrophobic steroid chain, which makes it a suitable candidate to assemble on the hydrophobic surfaces. We find that the highly hydrophobic surface formed by the self-assembled monolayers (SAM) of 2-NT and TP act as effective platforms for the fabrication of cholesterol monolayer and multilayer films. The STM studies show that the cholesterol monolayer films on 2-NT form striped patterns with a separation of 1.0 nm between them. The area per cholesterol molecule is observed to be 0.64 nm2 with a tilt angle of about 28.96 degrees from the surface normal. The electrochemical studies show a large increase in charge transfer resistance and lowering of interfacial capacitance due to the formation of the LB film of cholesterol. We have compared the behavior of this system with that of cholesterol monolayer and multilayers formed on the self-assembled monolayer of thiophenol.     

Sorption studies of radionuclides on a modified mesoporous cerium(IV) silicate

Five different samples of a new sorbent, modified mesoporous cerium(IV) silicate have been prepared with various mole ratios of Si/Ce and Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMABr) as template. XRD, nitrogen sorption, SEM, IR, thermogravimetry and sorption of radionuclides have been studied. Separation of Hg(II)-Th(IV), Hg(II)-Zr(IV) and Rb(I)-Zr(IV) have been developed on columns of this novel sorbent.     

Mechanisms of secondary ion emission from self‐assembled monolayers and multilayers

Alkanethiol self‐assembled monolayers/multilayers (SAMs) have been applied as model organic systems with which to investigate secondary ion formation and emission processes during kiloelectronvolt ion bombardment. Self‐assembled monolayer and multilayer films of 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid capped with 1‐dodecanethiol were prepared on gold‐coated substrates. Samples with varying number of thiolate layers were studied using static secondary ion mass spectrometry to investigate the origin of molecular secondary ions and the influence of surface chemistry and structure. The nature of the thiolate bonding affects the type and abundance of the observed ions. The intensity of atomic and cluster ions derived from the substrate decreases exponentially with increasing number of thiolate overlayers because of losses in transmission through the organic overlayers. Intact molecular and cluster ions can escape from >100 Å below the surface of these structures. The variation of molecular‐ion yields with multilayer thickness suggests that a significant proportion of molecular ions originate from subsurface thiolate layers. The detection of ions comprised species from the substrate or bottom of the multilayer associated with species from the top layer supports the view that chemical association at or near the surface is a viable mechanism of formation for molecular secondary ions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Oxygen reduction activity dependence on the mesoporous structure of imprinted carbon supports

Two mesoporous carbons (with 15 (CIC-15) and 26 nm (CIC-26) diameter pores) were synthesized using a silica colloid imprinting method, loaded with 10 wt.% Pt, and then evaluated (against Vulcan^? carbon (VC)) as oxygen reduction (ORR) catalysts for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Both Pt/CICs reproducibly out-performed Pt/VC, with Pt/CIC-15 demonstrating higher ORR activity than Pt/CIC-26, despite its smaller pore size and lower surface area. Transmission electron tomography showed that the Pt nanoparticles (4–5 nm diameter) are fully deposited throughout the pores of the CICs and that the pore distribution in CIC-26 is partially ordered, while CIC-15 shows no ordering of its pores. Importantly, using the powerful imaging capabilities of transmission electron tomography, a first-time correlation is demonstrated between the ORR activity and the wall thickness of the carbon support materials. Pt/CIC-15 has significantly thicker walls, giving a lower measured electronic resistance, a lower ORR Tafel slope, and thus better performance overall compared to Pt/CIC-26.