We thank Prof. J.P. Spatz (Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg and Department of New Materials and Biosystems, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart) for his kind support. The financial support from the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG SFB/TR79 to E.A.C.-A.) are also greatly acknowledged.

1. Synthesis of 11-Mercaptoundecanoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide Ester (MU-NHS)
<ol>
	<li>Add dropwise a solution of 500 mg N-hydroxysuccinimide and 30 mg 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine in 10 ml acetone (p.a.) to 1 g 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid in 40 ml dichloromethane (p.a.) at room temperature (RT).</li>
	<li>Cool the reaction to 0 &#176;C and add dropwise 1.1 g N,N&#39;-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide in 10 ml dichloromethane (under nitrogen atmosphere). Keep the reaction at low temperature for 1 hr and then stir at RT overnight.</li>
	<li>Filter the precipitate and dry it under reduced pressure. Purify the product by flash chromatography with petroleum benzene and ethyl acetate (p.a.) in a ratio of 1:1.</li>
</ol>
2. Preparation of Homogeneous Gold Layers
<ol>
	<li>Clean glass coverslips with precision wipes and sonicate them for 5 min in a solution containing a 1:1 mixture of ethyl acetate (p.a.) and methanol (p.a.). Rinse substrates with methanol and dry off under nitrogen flow.</li>
	<li>Place the clean substrates in the sputter coating device. Evacuate the chamber. Remove the uppermost chromium oxide layer from chromium target by sputtering for 60 sec. Place the samples underneath the metal beam and coat them with a 10 nm chromium layer, followed by coating with a 40 nm gold layer.</li>
</ol>
3. Surface Immobilization of BMP-2
<ol>
	<li>Dissolve MU-NHS in N,N-dimethlyformamide (DMF) to a final concentration of approximately 1 mM and incubate gold substrates in the MU-NHS solution at RT for 4 hr under nitrogen atmosphere.</li>
	<li>Sonicate surfaces in DMF for 2 min, rinse with DMF and MeOH and dry off under nitrogen flow.</li>
	<li>Prepare a stock solution of rhBMP-2 in sterile 4 mM HCl with a concentration of 100 &#956;g/ml (store aliquots at -80 &#176;C). For working dilutions (3.5 &#956;g/ml), dilute the stock solution in PBS/NaCl (PBS containing 1 M NaCl) and adjust to pH 8.5 immediately prior to use.</li>
	<li>Incubate surfaces functionalized MU-NHS in the rhBMP-2 working solution at 4 &#176;C overnight. Remove incubation supernatant. Sonicate surfaces in PBS/NaCl for 2 min and wash 3x with sterile PBS/NaCl.</li>
</ol>
4. Surface Characterization
<ol>
	<li>To block unspecific adsorption of antibody, incubate surfaces with a 5% BSA (w/v) in PBS solution for 1 hr at RT, followed by incubation with an anti-BMP-2 antibody (1:100 in 1% (w/v) BSA/PBS solution) for 1 hr at RT. Wash surfaces twice with PBS and sonicate for 30 sec.</li>
	<li>Incubate substrates with HRP-conjugated secondary antibody (1:1,000 in 1% (w/v) BSA/PBS solution) for 30 min at RT, then wash twice with PBS.</li>
	<li>Use Ampliflu Red assay to measure HRP enzymatic activity at 570 nm with a plate reader.</li>
</ol>
5. Analysis of Biological Activity
<ol>
	<li>Seed 1 x 105 mouse C2C12 myoblasts per well in 6-well plates in growth medium, consisting of a high glucose DMEM containing pyruvate supplemented with 10% FBS, 1% penicillin/streptomycin and incubate them for 24 hr at 37 &#176;C/5% CO2.</li>
	<li>Starve cells in serum-free DMEM for 3-5 hr prior to seeding onto the surfaces decorated with immobilized BMP-2.</li>
	<li>For the investigation of short-term signaling induction, replace the medium by 200 &#956;l fresh serum-free DMEM and place the immobilized BMP-2 surfaces above the cells. The surface should be handled with fine tip tweezers to avoid scratching.</li>
	<li>Remove gently surfaces and aspirate the medium with a pipette, wash the cells twice with PBS. Proceed to analysis of cell responses.</li>
	<li>For the analysis of long-term biological activity, plate cells onto surfaces and culture them at 37 &#176;C/5% CO2 in low serum conditions (2% FBS) for six days.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
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Authors have nothing to disclose.

In this protocol we describe the preparation of surfaces functionalized with bioactive rhBMP-2. This approach comprises two steps: 1) the initial formation of a self-assembling monolayer (SAM) of a bifunctional linker on the gold surface; 2) covalent immobilization of the rhBMP-2 protein. In previous work, we validated the effective binding of the bifunctional linker and the growth factor, and demonstrated that surface-immobilized rhBMP-2 maintains its biological activity19. The bioactivity of growth factors p...

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF-&#946;) family and acts as inducer of de novo bone formation as well as regulator of several tissues during embryonic development and adult homeostasis1-3. Each monomer of the biologically active homodimeric BMP-2 protein contains a &#34;cysteine knot&#34; motif, which is highly conserved in all BMPs4. Six of the seven cysteine residues form intramolecular disulfide bonds that stabilize each monomer, whereas the seventh cysteine is involved in dimerization, forming an intermolecular bond between the two monomers5,6. This highly conserved cysteine knot defines the three-dimensional structure of the BMP-2 protein and determines its unique properties, such as resistance against heat, denaturants and acidic pH7-9. BMP-2 binds to serine/threonine kinase transmembrane receptors, thereby inducing signal transduction10-12. Depending on the mode of receptor oligomerization, different signaling pathways are activated: a Smad-independent signaling cascade leads to alkaline phosphatase induction via p38 signaling, whereas a Smad-dependent pathway activated by receptor phosphorylation results in Smad complex nuclear translocation and activation of transcription of specific target genes, such as the inhibitor of differentiation (Id)12-14.
In bone, BMP-2 induces the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts, thus stimulating the healing and de novo formation of bone. Currently, recombinantly expressed BMP-2 is applied clinically to enhance the healing of fractured sites. A common strategy in bone tissue engineering is the use of injectable growth factors, which is less invasive compared to local delivery systems. However, in vivo studies and clinical applications have shown that the short biological half-life, unspecific localization and rapid local clearance of BMP-2 may lead to several local, ectopic and systemic problems15. Hence, to obtain an effective presentation, the entrapment or immobilization of BMP-2 within or onto materials is necessary for its local and sustained delivery at the target site. Sustained delivery can be achieved with non-covalent retention approaches, such as physical entrapment, adsorption or ion complexation16. However, it is known that unspecific adsorption of proteins to surfaces may results in denaturation of the molecules17. For the covalent binding of growth factors, different types of supports have been developed over the last decade. The use of bifunctional linking molecules that target amino or carboxyl groups of the protein for example, is one type of approach that does not necessarily require protein modification to achieve its immobilization. In fact, while protein modification offers the advantage of controlling protein orientation, the introduction of artificial domains, peptide tags and site-specific chains may alter the biological activity of growth factors17. Thus, to circumvent denaturation due to interaction with the supporting material, surfaces can be functionalized beforehand, for example, with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of a linking molecule, followed by coupling of the desired factor18. We have used a SAM-based approach to covalently immobilize BMP-2 onto a surface by targeting its free amine residues and have shown that the immobilized protein retains both its short- and long-term biological activity19. This protocol provides a simple and efficient way to deliver BMP-2 to cells for in vitro studies on the mechanisms which occur at the cell membrane and regulate intracellular signaling responsible for osteogenic signaling.

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Name of Material/ Equipment</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments/Description</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N-hydroxysuccinimide</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>130672</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4-(dimethylamino)pyridin</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>522805</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetone</td>
			<td>AppliChem</td>
			<td>A2282</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11-mercaptoundecanoic acid</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>674427</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dichlormethane</td>
			<td>Merck</td>
			<td>106050</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N,N&#39;-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>D80002</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Petroleum benzene</td>
			<td>Merck</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass coverslips</td>
			<td>Carl Roth</td>
			<td>M 875</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethylacetate</td>
			<td>AppliChem</td>
			<td>A3550</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Methanol</td>
			<td>Carl Roth</td>
			<td>4627</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N,N-dimethylformamide</td>
			<td>Carl Roth</td>
			<td>T921</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>rhBMP-2</td>
			<td>R&#38;D Systems</td>
			<td>355-BM</td>
			<td>Carrier-free; expressed in E.coli</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PBS</td>
			<td>PAA</td>
			<td>H15-002</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl</td>
			<td>Carl Roth</td>
			<td>HN00.2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS)</td>
			<td>Dow Corning</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sylgard 184 silicone elastomer kit</td>
			<td>Dow Corning</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-rhBMP-2</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>B9553</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Goat anti-mouse IgG-HRP</td>
			<td>Santa Cruz</td>
			<td>sc-2005</td>
			<td>Secondary antibody</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ampliflu Red assay</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>90101</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dulbecco&#39;s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) (1x), liquid</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>41966</td>
			<td>High glucose</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS)</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>F7524</td>
			<td>Sterile filtered, cell culture tested</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pen/Strep</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>15140</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trypsin 0.05% (1x) with EDTA 4Na</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>25300</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glycine (0.1 M)</td>
			<td>Riedel-de Ha&#235;n</td>
			<td>33226</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IGEPAL CA-630 (1%)</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>I8896</td>
			<td>Lysis buffer (ALP assay)19</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Magnesium chloride (MgCl2)(1 mM)</td>
			<td>Carl Roth</td>
			<td>HNO3.2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) (1 mM)</td>
			<td>Carl Roth</td>
			<td>3533.1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>p-nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP)</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>S0942</td>
			<td>Phosphatase substrate</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-mysin heavy chain (MHC)</td>
			<td>Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, University of Iowa</td>
			<td>MF20</td>
			<td>Monoclonal antibody</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Alexa Fluor 488 Goat anti-mouse IgG</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>A11001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DAPI</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>D9542</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrsonic bath (Sonorex Super RK 102H), Frequency 35 kHz</td>
			<td>BANDELIN electronic GmbH &#38; Co. KG</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MED 020 Sputtercoating system</td>
			<td>BAL-TEC AG</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Coating conditions 
			Cr: 120 mA, 1.3 x 10-2 mbar, 30 sec 
			Au: 60 mA, 5.0 x 10-2 mbar, 45 sec</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tecan Infinite M200 Plate reader</td>
			<td>Tecan</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

covalent binding of bmp-2 on surfaces using a self-assembled monolayer approach

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is a growth factor embedded in the extracellular matrix of bone tissue. BMP-2 acts as trigger of mesenchymal cell differentiation into osteoblasts, thus stimulating healing and de novo bone formation. The clinical use of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) in conjunction with scaffolds has raised recent controversies, based on the mode of presentation and the amount to be delivered. The protocol presented here provides a simple and efficient way to deliver BMP-2 for in vitro studies on cells. We describe how to form a self-assembled monolayer consisting of a heterobifunctional linker, and show the subsequent binding step to obtain covalent immobilization of rhBMP-2. With this approach it is possible to achieve a sustained presentation of BMP-2 while maintaining the biological activity of the protein. In fact, the surface immobilization of BMP-2 allows targeted investigations by preventing unspecific adsorption, while reducing the amount of growth factor and, most notably, hindering uncontrolled release from the surface. Both short- and long-term signaling events triggered by BMP-2 are taking place when cells are exposed to surfaces presenting covalently immobilized rhBMP-2, making this approach suitable for in vitro studies on cell responses to BMP-2 stimulation.

In our setup, gold was chosen as excipient since it provides a biologically unspecific but chemically tunable system. Furthermore, the application of self-assembling monolayers entails many benefits: SAMs spontaneously adsorb via their "head-groups" on metals and form monolayers with few defects, while their functional end-groups can be further modified. Thus they provide a platform to tailor the properties of the interface in a controlled yet highly adaptable way20.
For the immobil...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Covalent Binding of BMP-2 on Surfaces Using a Self-assembled Monolayer Approach at JoVE.com

Covalent Binding of BMP-2 on Surfaces Using a Self-assembled Monolayer Approach

We describe a method for accomplishing efficient immobilization of BMP-2 on surfaces. Our approach is based on the formation of a self-assembled monolayer to achieve the covalent binding of BMP-2 via its free amine residues. This method is a useful tool to study signaling at the cell membrane.

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is a growth factor embedded in the extracellular matrix of bone tissue. BMP-2 acts as trigger of mesenchymal cell ...

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Covalent Bonding and Structure

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13.8K Views.  University of Heidelberg. We describe a method for accomplishing efficient immobilization of BMP-2 on surfaces. Our approach is based on the formation of a self-assembled monolayer to achieve the covalent binding of BMP-2 via its free amine residues. This method is a useful tool to study signaling at the cell membrane.

Video: Covalent Binding of BMP-2 on Surfaces Using a Self-assembled Monolayer Approach

Stabilizing Hepatocellular Phenotype Using Optimized Synthetic Surfaces

Currently, one of the major limitations in cell biology is maintaining differentiated cell phenotype. Biological matrices are commonly used for culturing and maintaining primary and pluripotent stem cell derived hepatocytes. While biological matrices are useful, they permit short term culture of hepatocytes, limiting their widespread application. We have attempted to overcome the limitations using a synthetic polymer coating. Polymers represent one of the broadest classes of biomaterials and possess a wide range of mechanical, physical and chemical properties, which can be fine-tuned for purpose. Importantly, such materials can be scaled to quality assured standards and display batch-to-batch consistency. This is essential if cells are to be expanded for high through-put screening in the pharmaceutical testing industry or for cellular based therapy. Polyurethanes (PUs) are one group of materials that have shown promise in cell culture. Our recent progress in optimizing a polyurethane coated surface, for long-term culture of human hepatocytes displaying stable phenotype, is presented and discussed.

This article will focus on developing polymer coated surfaces for long-term, stable culture of stem cell derived human hepatocytes.

Currently, one of the major limitations in cell biology is maintaining differentiated cell phenotype. Biological matrices are commonly used for culturing ...

An Inverse Analysis Approach to the Characterization of Chemical Transport in Paints

The ability to directly characterize chemical transport and interactions that occur within a material (i.e., subsurface dynamics) is a vital component in understanding contaminant mass transport and the ability to decontaminate materials. If a material is contaminated, over time, the transport of highly toxic chemicals (such as chemical warfare agent species) out of the material can result in vapor exposure or transfer to the skin, which can result in percutaneous exposure to personnel who interact with the material. Due to the high toxicity of chemical warfare agents, the release of trace chemical quantities is of significant concern. Mapping subsurface concentration distribution and transport characteristics of absorbed agents enables exposure hazards to be assessed in untested conditions. Furthermore, these tools can be used to characterize subsurface reaction dynamics to ultimately design improved decontaminants or decontamination procedures. To achieve this goal, an inverse analysis mass transport modeling approach was developed that utilizes time-resolved mass spectroscopy measurements of vapor emission from contaminated paint coatings as the input parameter for calculation of subsurface concentration profiles. Details are provided on sample preparation, including contaminant and material handling, the application of mass spectrometry for the measurement of emitted contaminant vapor, and the implementation of inverse analysis using a physics-based diffusion model to determine transport properties of live chemical warfare agents including distilled mustard (HD) and the nerve agent VX.

In this paper, a procedure for quantifying the mass transport parameters of chemicals in various materials is presented. This process involves employing an inverse-analysis based diffusion model to vapor emission profiles recorded by real-time, mass spectrometry in high vacuum.

The ability to directly characterize chemical transport and interactions that occur within a material (i.e., subsurface dynamics) is a vital component in ...

Facile Preparation of Internally Self-assembled Lipid Particles Stabilized by Carbon Nanotubes

We present a facile method to prepare nanostructured lipid particles stabilized by carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Single-walled (pristine) and multi-walled (functionalized) CNTs are used as stabilizers to produce Pickering type oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. Lipids namely, Dimodan U and Phytantriol are used as emulsifiers, which in excess water self-assemble into the bicontinuous cubic Pn3m phase. This highly viscous phase is fragmented into smaller particles using a probe ultrasonicator in presence of conventional surfactant stabilizers or CNTs as done here. Initially, the CNTs (powder form) are dispersed in water followed by further ultrasonication with the molten lipid to form the final emulsion. During this process the CNTs get coated with lipid molecules, which in turn are presumed to surround the lipid droplets to form a particulate emulsion that is stable for months. The average size of CNT-stabilized nanostructured lipid particles is in the submicron range, which compares well with the particles stabilized using conventional surfactants. Small angle X-ray scattering data confirms the retention of the original Pn3m cubic phase in the CNT-stabilized lipid dispersions as compared to the pure lipid phase (bulk state). Blue shift and lowering of the intensities in characteristic G and G&#39; bands of CNTs observed in Raman spectroscopy characterize the interaction between CNT surface and lipid molecules. These results suggest that the interactions between the CNTs and lipids are responsible for their mutual stabilization in aqueous solutions. As the concentrations of CNTs employed for stabilization are very low and lipid molecules are able to functionalize the CNTs, the toxicity of CNTs is expected to be insignificant while their biocompatibility is greatly enhanced. Hence the present approach finds a great potential in various biomedical applications, for instance, for developing hybrid nanocarrier systems for the delivery of multiple functional molecules as in combination therapy or polytherapy.

We report on a smart application of carbon nanotubes for kinetic stabilization of lipid particles that contain self-assembled nanostructures in their cores. The preparation of lipid particles requires rather low concentrations of carbon nanotubes permitting their use in biomedical applications such as drug delivery.

We present a facile method to prepare nanostructured lipid particles stabilized by carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Single-walled (pristine) and multi-walled ...

Highly Stable, Functional Hairy Nanoparticles and Biopolymers from Wood Fibers: Towards Sustainable Nanotechnology

Nanoparticles, as one of the key materials in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, have gained significant importance during the past decade. While metal-based nanoparticles are associated with synthetic and environmental hassles, cellulose introduces a green, sustainable alternative for nanoparticle synthesis. Here, we present the chemical synthesis and separation procedures to produce new classes of hairy nanoparticles (bearing both amorphous and crystalline regions) and biopolymers based on wood fibers. Through periodate oxidation of soft wood pulp, the glucose ring of cellulose is opened at the C2-C3 bond to form 2,3-dialdehyde groups. Further heating of the partially oxidized fibers (e.g., T = 80 &#176;C) results in three products, namely fibrous oxidized cellulose, sterically stabilized nanocrystalline cellulose (SNCC), and dissolved dialdehyde modified cellulose (DAMC), which are well separated by intermittent centrifugation and co-solvent addition. The partially oxidized fibers (without heating) were used as a highly reactive intermediate to react with chlorite for converting almost all aldehyde to carboxyl groups. Co-solvent precipitation and centrifugation resulted in electrosterically stabilized nanocrystalline cellulose (ENCC) and dicarboxylated cellulose (DCC). The aldehyde content of SNCC and consequently surface charge of ENCC (carboxyl content) were precisely controlled by controlling the periodate oxidation reaction time, resulting in highly stable nanoparticles bearing more than 7 mmol functional groups per gram of nanoparticles (e.g., as compared to conventional NCC bearing &#60;&#60; 1 mmol functional group/g). Atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) attested to the rod-like morphology. Conductometric titration, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrokinetic-sonic-amplitude (ESA) and acoustic attenuation spectroscopy shed light on the superior properties of these nanomaterials.

Synthesis schemes to prepare highly stable wood fiber-based hairy nanoparticles and functional cellulose-based biopolymers have been detailed.

Nanoparticles, as one of the key materials in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, have gained significant importance during the past decade. While ...

Microfluidic-based Synthesis of Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs): A Tool for Continuous Production of COF Fibers and Direct Printing on a Surface

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are a class of porous covalent materials which are frequently synthesized as unprocessable crystalline powders. The first COF was reported in 2005 with much effort centered on the establishment of new synthetic routes for its preparation. To date, most available synthetic methods for COF synthesis are based on bulk mixing under solvothermal conditions. Therefore, there is increasing interest in developing systematic protocols for COF synthesis that provide for fine control over reaction conditions and improve COF processability on surfaces, which is essential for their use in practical applications. Herein, we present a novel microfluidic-based method for COF synthesis where the reaction between two constituent building blocks, 1,3,5-benzenetricarbaldehyde (BTCA) and 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB), takes place under controlled diffusion conditions and at room temperature. Using such an approach yields sponge-like, crystalline fibers of a COF material, hereafter called MF-COF. The mechanical properties of MF-COF and the dynamic nature of the approach allow the continuous production of MF-COF fibers and their direct printing onto surfaces. The general method opens new potential applications requiring advanced printing of 2D or 3D COF structures on flexible or rigid surfaces.

Microfluidic-based Synthesis of Covalent Organic Frameworks COFs: A Tool for Continuous Production of COF Fibers and Direct Printing on a Surface

We present a novel microfluidic-based method for synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). We demonstrate how this approach can be used to produce continuous COF fibers, and also 2D or 3D COF structures on surfaces.

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are a class of porous covalent materials which are frequently synthesized as unprocessable crystalline powders. The ...

Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging

The design and synthesis of a synthetic system that aims for the direct visualization of a synthetic rotary motor at the single molecule level on surfaces are demonstrated. This work requires careful design, considerable synthetic effort, and proper analysis. The rotary motion of the molecular motor in solution is shown by 1H NMR and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy techniques. In addition, the method to graft the motor onto an amine-coated quartz is described. This method helps to gain more insight into molecular machines.

The manuscript describes how to synthesize and graft a molecular motor on surfaces for single molecular imaging.

The design and synthesis of a synthetic system that aims for the direct visualization of a synthetic rotary motor at the single molecule level on surfaces ...

Analysis of Complex Molecules and Their Reactions on Surfaces by Means of Cluster-Induced Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Desorption/Ionization Induced by Neutral SO2 Clusters (DINeC) is employed as a very soft and efficient desorption/ionization technique for mass spectrometry (MS) of complex molecules and their reactions on surfaces. DINeC is based on a beam of SO2 clusters impacting on the sample surface at low cluster energy. During cluster-surface impact, some of the surface molecules are desorbed and ionized via dissolvation in the impacting cluster; as a result of this dissolvation-mediated desorption mechanism, low cluster energy is sufficient and the desorption process is extremely soft. Both surface adsorbates and molecules of which the surface is composed of can be analyzed. Clear and fragmentation-free spectra from complex molecules such as peptides and proteins are obtained. DINeC does not require any special sample preparation, in particular no matrix has to be applied. The method yields quantitative information on the composition of the samples; molecules at a surface coverage as low as 0.1 % of a monolayer can be detected. Surface reactions such as H/D exchange or thermal decomposition can be observed in real-time and the kinetics of the reactions can be deduced. Using a pulsed nozzle for cluster beam generation, DINeC can be efficiently combined with ion trap mass spectrometry. The matrix-free and soft nature of the DINeC process in combination with the MSn capabilities of the ion trap allows for very detailed and unambiguous analysis of the chemical composition of complex organic samples and organic adsorbates on surfaces.

Neutral SO2 clusters of low kinetic energy (&#60; 0.8 eV/constituent) are used to desorb complex surface molecules such as peptides or lipids for further analysis by means of mass spectrometry using an ion trap mass spectrometer. No special sample preparation is required, and real-time observation of reactions is possible.

Desorption/Ionization Induced by Neutral SO2 Clusters (DINeC) is employed as a very soft and efficient desorption/ionization technique for mass ...

Covalent Attachment of Single Molecules for AFM-based Force Spectroscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based single molecule force spectroscopy is an ideal tool for investigating the interactions between a single polymer and surfaces. For a true single molecule experiment, covalent attachment of the probe molecule is essential because only then can hundreds of force-extension traces with one and the same single molecule be obtained. Many traces are in turn necessary to prove that a single molecule alone is probed. Additionally, passivation is crucial for preventing unwanted interactions between the single probe molecule and the AFM cantilever tip as well as between the AFM cantilever tip and the underlying surface. The functionalization protocol presented here is reliable and can easily be applied to a variety of polymers. Characteristic single molecule events (i.e., stretches and plateaus) are detected in the force-extension traces. From these events, physical parameters such as stretching force, desorption force and desorption length can be obtained. This is particularly important for the precise investigation of stimuli-responsive systems at the single molecule level. As exemplary systems poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAM) and polystyrene (PS) are stretched and desorbed from SiOx (for PEG and PNiPAM) and from hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer surfaces (for PS) in aqueous environment.

Covalent attachment of probe molecules to atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilever tips is an essential technique for the investigation of their physical properties. This allows us to determine the stretching force, desorption force and length of polymers via AFM-based single molecule force spectroscopy with high reproducibility.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based single molecule force spectroscopy is an ideal tool for investigating the interactions between a single polymer and ...

Synthesis of pH Dependent Pyrazole, Imidazole, and Isoindolone Dipyrrinone Fluorophores using a Claisen-Schmidt Condensation Approach

Methine-bridged conjugated bicyclic aromatic compounds are common constituents of a range of biologically relevant molecules such as porphyrins, dipyrrinones, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, restricted rotation of these systems often results in highly to moderately fluorescent systems as observed in 3H,5H-dipyrrolo[1,2-c:2',1'-f]pyrimidin-3-ones, xanthoglows, pyrroloindolizinedione analogs, BODIPY analogs, and the phenolic and imidazolinone ring systems of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). This manuscript describes an inexpensive and operationally simple method of performing a Claisen-Schmidt condensation to generate a series of fluorescent pH dependent pyrazole/imidazole/isoindolone dipyrrinone analogs. While the methodology illustrates the synthesis of dipyrrinone analogs, it can be translated to produce a wide range of conjugated bicyclic aromatic compounds. The Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction utilized in this method is limited in scope to nucleophiles and electrophiles that are enolizable under basic conditions (nucleophile component) and non-enolizable aldehydes (electrophile component). Additionally, both the nucleophilic and electrophilic reactants must contain functional groups that will not inadvertently react with hydroxide. Despite these limitations, this methodology offers access to completely novel systems that can be employed as biological or molecular probes.

The Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction is an important methodology for the generation of methine-bridged conjugated bicyclic aromatic compounds. Through utilizing a base-mediated variant of the aldol reaction, a range of fluorescent and/or biologically relevant molecules can be accessed through a generally inexpensive and operationally simple synthetic approach.

Methine-bridged conjugated bicyclic aromatic compounds are common constituents of a range of biologically relevant molecules such as porphyrins, ...

Analysis of Organochlorine Pesticides in a Soil Sample by a Modified QuEChERS Approach Using Ammonium Formate

Currently, the QuEChERS method represents the most widely used sample preparation protocol worldwide for analyzing pesticide residues in a broad variety of matrices both in official and non-official laboratories. The QuEChERS method using ammonium formate has previously proven to be advantageous compared to the original and the two official versions. On the one hand, the simple addition of 0.5 g of ammonium formate per gram of sample is sufficient to induce phase separation and achieve good analytical performance. On the other hand, ammonium formate reduces the need for maintenance in routine analyses. Here, a modified QuEChERS method using ammonium formate was applied for the simultaneous analysis of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in agricultural soil. Specifically, 10 g of the sample was hydrated with 10 mL of water and then extracted with 10 mL of acetonitrile. Next, phase separation was carried out using 5 g of ammonium formate. After centrifugation, the supernatant was subjected to a dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up step with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, primary-secondary amine, and octadecylsilane. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used as the analytical technique. The QuEChERS method using ammonium formate is demonstrated as a successful alternative for extracting OCP residues from a soil sample.

The present protocol describes the utilization of ammonium formate for phase partitioning in QuEChERS, together with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, to successfully determine organochlorine pesticide residues in a soil sample.

Currently, the QuEChERS method represents the most widely used sample preparation protocol worldwide for analyzing pesticide residues in a broad variety ...