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.

Photoconductivity in the columnar phases of a glassy discotic twin

Photosensitive polymeric amphiphiles: Irradiation-induced structural changes in langmuir-blodgett multilayers

Donor-acceptor substituted polyenes : orientation in mono- and multilayers

Large molecules containing different chemical units whose interactions within the molecule result in new macroscopically observable effects, have become increasingly important.The organization of molecules of this type in ordered structures leads to functional molecular materials.Their use in molecular electronics requires that the units exhibit specific electronic properties. Recently, we reported on the intramolecular energy transfer through terminally substituted conjugated polyenes. An intramolecular electron transfer within donor-acceptor substituted polyenes can be achieved by introducing suitable terminal groups.

Specific Protein Binding to Functionalized Interfaces

We report on the characterization of specific binding reactions between streptavidin and biotinylated model membrane surfaces. Self-assembly techniques as well as the Langmuir-Blodgett-Kuhn method were employed to prepare reactive, functionalized surfaces on various solid supports in contact with the aqueous protein solution. Plasmon surface polaritons optical measurements as well as atomic force microscopy and studies with the surface forces apparatus give rather detailed information as to the streptavidin monolayer formation, the kinetics of this process (either binding site- or diffusion limited), the selectivity of the reaction at laterally heterogeneous membranes, and the involved inte…