Multivalent anchoring and cross-linking of mussel-inspired antifouling surface coatings.

In this work, we combine nature's amazing bioadhesive catechol with the excellent bioinert synthetic macromolecule hyperbranched polyglycerol (hPG) to prepare antifouling surfaces. hPG can be functionalized by different amounts of catechol groups for multivalent anchoring and cross-linking because of its highly branched architecture. The catecholic hPGs can be immobilized on various surfaces including metal oxides, noble metals, ceramics, and polymers via simple incubation procedures.

Dendritic polyglycerol-poly(ethylene glycol)-based polymer networks for biosensing application.

This work describes the formation of a new dendritic polyglycerol-poly(ethylene glycol)-based 3D polymer network as a matrix for immobilization of the redox enzyme periplasmatic aldehyde oxidoreductase to create an electrochemical biosensor. The novel network is built directly on the gold surface, where it simultaneously stabilizes the enzyme for up to 4 days. The prepared biosensors can be used for amperometric detection of benzaldehyde in the range of 0.

Polyglycerol-derived amphiphiles for the solubilization of single-walled carbon nanotubes in water: a structure-property study.

A series of nonionic amphiphiles derived from polyglycerol dendrons were studied for their ability to solubilize and isolate single-walled carbon nanotubes. The amphiphiles possessed differently sized polar head groups, hydrophobic tail units, and various aromatic and non-aromatic groups between the head and tail groups. Absorbance analysis revealed that amphiphiles with anchor groups derived from pyrene were far inferior to those that possessed simple linear aliphatic tail groups.

Phase transition broadening due to interfacial premelting: a new quantitative access to intermolecular interactions within submonolayer films at solid/vapor interfaces.

Investigations of submonolayer films show that phase transition broadening due to interfacial premelting is a general phenomenon. Its experimental observation and thermodynamic interpretation is particularly simple for molecules, which form solid monolayer domains of uniform thickness. This is demonstrated with submonolayer films of two classes of molecules: long chain alkanes and alcohols.