Functionalized Thin Films: Synthesis, Characterization, and Potential Use

Thin fílm coatings of trichloroalkylsilane compounds, such as SiCl₃(CH₂)_nX, wherein n = 3 and 16 and × = CH₃ and CN, onto silicon and glass surfaces have been prepared and characterized. The coatings prepared from the longer chain alkylsilane compounds (n = 16) were superior to coatings prepared from the short ones (n = 3). The reduction of the ω-nitrile groups of the previously described coating resulted in the formation of films containing ω primary amine groups. Studies demonstrating the effect of solvents, such as water and chloroform, on coatings containing ω primary amine groups (hydrophilic surfaces) and ω-methyl groups (hydrophobic surfaces) have been accomplished. The potential use of coatings containing ω primary amine groups for cell immobilization have been demonstrated.