Bolaform supramolecular amphiphiles as a novel concept for the buildup of surface-imprinted films

Stable multilayer films were fabricated on the basis of the alternating layer-by-layer assembly of a two-component bolaform supramolecular amphiphile and diazoresins, followed by photochemical cross-linking of the structure. UV-visible spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed a uniform deposition process. Moreover, one component of the supramolecular amphiphile can be removed from the multilayer films after cross-linking between the second component and the diazoresin. The release and uptake of the imprinted supramolecular amphiphile component are shown to be reversible. Furthermore, uptake experiments of different molecules show the selectivity of the imprinted sites for the template molecule. Thus, surface-imprinted films can be formed by employing dissociable two-component supramolecular amphiphiles. This research reveals that supramolecular amphiphiles can be used as a novel concept for the construction of multilayer films, and it also provides a new method of generating surface-imprinted multilayers.