Northeastern University

University of Massachusetts

Ming Wei

Ahmed Busnaina

Joey L Mead

Carol M F Barry

Zhenghong Tao

Nanoscale patterns prepared by lithography are used to direct the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules to form patterned nanosubstrates having a desired distribution of chemical functional moieties. These patterns can be fabricated over a large area and require no special limitations on the chemistry the assembled amphiphiles. Hydrophilic/hydrophobic patterns can be created and used to direct the deposition of a single functional component to specific regions of the surface or to selectively assemble polymer blends to desired sites in a one step fashion with high specificity and selectivity. The selective deposition of functional moieties on a patterned surface can be based on electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, or hydrophobic interactions. The methods and patterned nanosubstrates of the invention can be used in the assembly of functional polymer systems, polyelectrolytes, biomolecules, conducting polymers, colloids and nanoparticles, and find wide technological applications in biosensors, biochips, photonics and electronics.

Patterned nanosubstrates made by directed self assembly of amphiphilic molecules

The present invention provides a method for directed assembly of a conducting polymer. A method of the invention comprises providing a template such as an insulated template and electrophorectically assembling a conducting polymer thereon. Preferably, the template comprises a patterned electrode on which the conducting polymer is assembled. Moreover, the invention provides a method for transferring an assembled conducting polymer. For example, a method of the invention comprises providing a substrate such as a polymeric substrate and contacting a surface thereof with an assembled conducting polymer. The assembled conducting polymer can be disposed on a patterned electrode of a template, hi one embodiment, a method comprises removing the substrate. By removing the substrate, the assembled conducting polymer is transferred from the patterned electrode of the template to the substrate. The invention also provides a device with a template or substrate comprising an assembled conducting polymer.

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Lowell, MA, United States of America

Ming Wei