Patterning multiple aligned self-assembled monolayers using light

This work describes a method for patterning a gold substrate with multiple, aligned self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) using light at different wavelengths. It describes the synthesis and characterization of an alkanethiolate SAM that is photosensitive to light at both 220 and 365 nm. A photomask acts as an area-selective filter for light at 220 and 365 nm, and a single set of exposures at these two wavelengths through one photomask, without steps of alignment between the exposures, can produce three aligned SAMs on one gold substrate. We demonstrate the versatility of this method of photopatterning by modifying individual aligned SAMs chemically to produce surfaces having different properties. We characterize the modified SAMs using immunolabeling, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy, and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. We also describe the patterning of two aligned SAMs that resist the adsorption of proteins and a third region that does not resist the adsorption of proteins. The ability to produce multiple, aligned patterns of SAMs in a single step, without alignment of photomasks in separate steps, increases the versatility of SAMs for studying a range of physical phenomena.     

Fabrication of metal structures with nanometer-scale lateral dimensions by sectioning using a microtome

This Communication describes the fabrication of planar structures comprising metallic features with nanometer-scale lateral dimensions in polymer prepared by sectioning a thin metallic film, embedded in a polymer matrix, in a plane perpendicular to the metallic film. This procedure converts a structure that is thin along the z-axis into a structure that is thin along the x-axis. The embedded thin metal film is still conductive and can be used as a nanoelectrode. The structure and composition of the exposed nanoedge can be easily tuned by changing the structure of the surface supporting the metal film, and the composition and the thickness of that film.     

A synthetic trivalent hapten that aggregates anti-2,4-DNP IgG into bicyclic trimers

This paper describes the synthesis of the trivalent hapten molecule 1, containing three 2,4-dinitrophenyl (2,4-DNP) groups, and the use of this molecule to aggregate three molecules of anti-2,4-DNP IgG into a complex with 3:2 stoichiometry (IgG312). The equilibrium product IgG312 was generated in approximately 90% yield upon mixing IgG and 1; during incubation, thermodynamically unstable, high-molecular-weight aggregates (>104 nm in diameter) form first and convert subsequently to IgG312. The thermodynamics and the kinetics of the formation of aggregates were studied using size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). An analytical model based on multiple species in equilibrium was developed and used to interpret the SE-HPLC data. The aggregate IgG312 was more stable thermodynamically and kinetically than monomeric aggregates of this IgG with monomeric derivatives of 2,4-DNP; this stability suggests potential applications of these aggregates in biotechnology.     

Synthesis and Evaluation of Thioether-Based Tris-Melamines as Components of Self-Assembled Aggregates Based on the CA.M Lattice

Two new tris-melamine derivatives, triazine-thio-M(3) (5) (C(3)N(3)-2,4,6-[SCH(2)C(6)H(4)-3-N(CH(2)C(6)H(4)-4-C(CH(3))(3))COC(6)N(3)-2-NHC(3)N(3)(NH(2))(NHCH(2)CH(2)C(CH(3))(3))-5-Br](3)) and benzene-thio-M(3) (6) (C(6)H(3)-1,3,5-[SCH(2)C(6)H(4)-3-N(CH(2)C(6)H(4)-4-C(CH(3))(3))COC(6)H(3)-2-NHC(3)N(3)(NH(2))(NHCH(2)CH(2)C(CH(3))(3))-5-Br](3)), were synthesized by reactions of 2,4,6-trithiocyanuric acid and 1,3,5-trimercaptobenzene with a bromobenzyl melamine derivative 19 (BrCH(2)C(6)H(4)-3-N(CH(2)C(6)H(4)-4-C(CH(3))(3))COC(6)H(3)-2-NHC(3)N(3)(NH(2))(NHCH(2)CH(2)C(CH(3))(3))-5-Br). These two compounds formed stable and structurally well-defined 1 + 3 supramolecular aggregates with neohexyl isocyanurate (R'CA) (9) as shown by NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. (1)H NMR competition experiments indicated that the stability of triazine-thio-M(3).(R'CA)(3) (1) was similar to that of benzene-thio-M(3).(R'CA)(3) (2). The order of stabilities of tris-melamine-based 1 + 3 complexes was hubM(3).(R'CA)(3) (3) > triazine-thio-M(3).(R'CA)(3) (1) approximately benzene-thio-M(3).(R'CA)(3) (2) > flexM(3).(R'CA)(3) (4). Computational simulations were also carried out on triazine-thio-M(3).(R'CA)(3) and hubM(3).(R'CA)(3) fully solvated in CHCl(3). Values of DP (the deviation from planarity of the cyanuric acid and melamine rosette) obtained from these simulations correlated correctly with the observed stabilities and suggested a structural reason why triazine-thio-M(3).(R'CA)(3) was less stable than hubM(3).(R'CA)(3).     

Edge-colored complete graphs with alternating cycles

We prove that if the edges of the complete graph on n≥6 vertices are colored so that no vertex is on more than Δ edges of the same color, 1<Δ<n?2, then the graph has cycles of all lengths 3 through n with no Δ consecutive edges the same color.