Substrate-independent layer-by-layer assembly using catechol-functionalized polymers
The present invention provides a simple, non-destructive and versatile method that enables layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly to be performed on virtually any substrate. A novel catechol-functionalized polymer which adsorbs to virtually all surfaces and can serve as a platform for LbL assembly in a surface-independent fashion is also provided.
1. A substrate independent method for the layer-by-layer assembly of a multifunctional film comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a substrate with a first catechol-functionalized poly(ethyleneimine) polymer to form a first layer; (b) rinsing the substrate with neat solvent; (c) contacting the substrate with a second catechol-functionalized polymer to form a second layer; (d) rinsing the substrate with neat solvent, wherein steps (a) through (d) are repeated until a multifunctional multilayer film is formed.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first catechol-functionalized poly(ethyleneimine) polymer comprises the structure:
wherein “n” has a value in the range from 10 to 10,000;
wherein each “m” has a value in the range of from 1 to 5,000;
wherein the second catechol-functionalized polymer comprises the structure:
wherein “x” has a value in the range from 10 to 10,000; and
wherein “y” has a value in the range from 1 to 5,000.
3. A substrate independent method for the layer-by-layer assembly of a multifunctional film comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a substrate with a first catechol-functionalized poly(ethyleneimine) polymer to form a first layer; (b) rinsing the substrate with neat solvent; (c) contacting the substrate with a second substance having an affinity for the first layer to form a second layer; (d) rinsing the substrate with neat solvent, wherein steps (a) through (d) are repeated until a multifunctional multilayer film is formed.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the first catechol-functionalized poly(ethyleneimine) polymer comprises the structure:
wherein “n” has a value in the range from 10 to 10,000 and
wherein each “m” has a value in the range of from 1 to 5,000.