Abstract: A method for surface micropatterning includes forming on a surface containing a first polymer a first coating containing a second polymer having first functionalities capable of being converted to second functionalities by exposure to an acid. A second coating containing a photoacid generator is formed on the first coating. The second coating containing the photoacid generator is selectively irradiated in one or more regions thereof with radiation having a spatially varying internsity pattern to generate an acid in each irradiated region of the second coating. The acid converts the first functionalities of each region of the second polymer underlying a respective irradiated region of the second coating to second functionalities. A first molecular patterned surface having one or more regions of the first functionalities and one or more regions of the second functionalities is formed.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for controlling the surface properties are described. Compounds of the invention can form radicals upon exposure to irradiation, which can then react with nearby molecules to alter the surface properties of various substrates. The invention can provide surfaces that are resistant to dewetting, surfaces that have immobilized molecules such as carbohydrates and polymers immobilized, and surfaces that have metals deposited on the surface. The invention can be utilized in a wide range of application, such as sensors, microreactors, microarrays, electroless deposition of metals, and the like.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to methods for modification of functionalized substrates. In another aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for fabricating multilayer polymer compositions. In certain embodiments, the multilayer polymer compositions described herein can comprise heterobifunctional polymers and heterotrifunctional molecules.

Abstract: Methods for functionalizing a surface of a substrate with nanoparticles are described. In certain embodiments, the method can include attaching a plurality of photoactive linker to nanoparticles to obtain photoactive nanoparticles, wherein each photoactive linker comprises a binding group that attaches to the nanoparticles and a photoactive group; depositing the photoactive nanoparticles to the surface of the substrate, wherein the surface of the substrate comprises reactive groups that are capable of reacting with the photoactive groups; and irradiating the photoactive nanoparticles with radiation to react the photoactive group with the reactive group and to functionalize the surface of the substrate with nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel photo-generated carbohydrate arrays and methods of their use to detect the presence of one or more agents in a sample. The invention also relates to a high-throughput strategy to facilitate the identification and immunological characterization of pathogen-specific carbohydrates, including those of Bacillus anthracis. The invention can be used to determine the presence of a pathogen and whether a subject has been exposed to a pathogen, such as by screening for pathogen-specific antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalizing a surface of an organic material. For example, surfaces of materials having C—H bonds, such as polymers having C—H bonds, can be functionalized. In certain embodiments, a heterobifunctional molecule having a photoactive anchor, a spacer, and a terminal functional group is applied to the surface of an organic material that contains one or more C—H bonds. The heterobifunctional molecule can be bound to any surface having C—H bonds as the photoactive anchor can react with C—H bonds upon irradiation. The terminal functional group has a “click” functionality which can be utilized to functionalize the surface of the organic material with any desired functionalizing moiety having the orthogonal click functionality.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for controlling the surface properties are described. Compounds of the invention can form radicals upon exposure to irradiation, which can then react with nearby molecules to alter the surface properties of various substrates. The invention can provide surfaces that are resistant to dewetting, surfaces that have immobilized molecules such as carbohydrates and polymers immobilized, and surfaces that have metals deposited on the surface. The invention can be utilized in a wide range of application, such as sensors, microreactors, microarrays, electroless deposition of metals, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing degradable model networks from any monomer functionality with any degradation methodology. It is based on the use of Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization and CLICK chemistry to form the desired product.

Abstract: Methods for controlling surface functionality of metal oxide nanoparticles, nanoparticles having controlled surface functionality, and uses thereof are described herein. Methods for controlling the surface functionality of a metal oxide nanoparticle are can include attaching a ligand to a metal oxide nanoparticle, where the ligand can include a functional portion that is capable of forming an irreversible bond with an object at a site that is complementary to the functional portion without reacting with other reactive sites that may be present. Moreover, metal oxide nanoparticles having versatile ligands can include an anchoring portion that binds to the surface of the metal oxide nanoparticle and a functional portion that is capable of forming an irreversible bond with an object at a site that is complementary to the functional portion without reacting with other reactive sites that may be present.

Abstract: Ultra thin organo-ceramic and metal oxide films are prepared under room temperature and atmospheric conditions by exposing .alpha., .omega.--functional siloxane oligomers and fatty acid metal soaps, respectively, to a combination of ultraviolet light (UV) and ozone (O.sub.3). The process includes the steps of preparing ultra thin .alpha., .omega.--functional polysiloxane and fatty acid metal soap films using, but not limited to, the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. The LB technique permits construction of molecular monolayer or multilayer films on a variety of substrates. By using carboxylic acid end groups on the siloxane oligomers, metal ions can be incorporated into the SiO.sub.x film after UV-ozone exposure. This technique can be used to make electronically, optically, and chemically important organo-ceramic and metal oxide films on temperature sensitive substrates.

Abstract: Ultra thin organo-ceramic and metal oxide films are prepared under room temperature and atmospheric conditions by exposing .alpha.,.omega.-functional siloxane oligomers and fatty acid metal soaps, respectively, to a combination of ultraviolet light (UV) and ozone (O.sub.3). The process includes the steps of preparing ultra thin .alpha.,.omega.-functional polysiloxane and fatty acid metal soap films using, but not limited to, the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. The LB technique permits construction of molecular monolayer or multilayer films on a variety of substrates. By using carboxylic acid end groups on the siloxane oligomers, metal ions can be incorporated into the SiOx film after UV-ozone exposure. This technique can be used to make electronically, optically, and chemically important organo-ceramic and metal oxide films on temperature sensitive substrates.