The synthesis and characterization of photoactive monolayers is described. Monolayers containing azobenzene were prepared either by direct chemisorption of a trichlorosilane or by covalent attachment to a functionalized self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Preliminary photoisomerization studies show a decrease in wettability upon exposure to ultraviolet light. In addition, a new experimental methodology for measuring protein adsorption to SAMs was developed. Neutron reflectometry measurements show that the protein, Human Serum Albumin (HSA), adsorbs onto both methyl- and ammonium-terminated SAMs. However, more protein was found in the interphase next to the methyl-terminated SAM.

Date Published: 22 May 1995
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 2441, Smart Structures and Materials 1995: Smart Materials, (22 May 1995); doi: 10.1117/12.209788

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2441:
Smart Structures and Materials 1995: Smart Materials
A. Peter Jardine, Editor(s)