X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic study of poly[4,4′-isopropylidenebis(1,4-phenyleneoxyethylene) diacrylate] photocured in the presence of a fluorine containing monomer

A preliminary X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) investigation on poly[4,4′-isopropylidenebis(1,4-phenyleneoxyethylene) diacrylate] samples obtained by photocuring on several substrates in the presence of a fluorine containing acrylic monomer is reported. Quantitative calculations based on F_1s/C_1s area ratios and C_1s peak fitting show a noticeable fluorine surface enrichment that ranges, depending on the substrate, from 17 wt.-% to 59 wt.-% of fluorine containing moiety. The calculations also reveal the presence of a concentration gradient at the surface.     

Engineered Green Fluorescence Proteins for Proteomics and Biomolecular Electronic Applications

The discovery of the photochromic characteristics of engineered green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) allows new proteomics and biomolecular electronic applications. In particular, photoreversibility among two distinct optical states can lead to the realization of a bio-optical high density storage memory. Here we review our recent work on an optically bistable GFP and we report the recent developments of self-assembly methods for spatial immobilization of proteins into well-definite 2D patterns.     

Preparation of coatings via cationic photopolymerisation: influence of alcoholic additives

Coatings obtained through photopolymerisation of vinylethers, propenyl ethers and epoxy resins are described. The influence of alcohols and of comonomers bearing OH groups on the cationic mechanism of the curing process is discussed. The final properties of the coatings are evaluated and correlated to the structures of the additives.     

PTFE nanoemulsions as ultralow-k dielectric materials

Modern integrated circuits require insulating materials with a dielectric constant as low as possible in order to obtain device speed improvements through lower RC delay. We have investigated the electrical and structural properties of PTFE thin films obtained from Algoflon^®-PTFE nanoemulsions, via spin coating deposition, followed by sintering. Films as thin as 160 nm with dielectric strength better than 4 MV/cm have been obtained.