| Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as model substrates have the potential for biochip development and integration of electric circuitry with cell biology. Both technologies require the monolayers to be bio-inert, i.e. prevention of non-specific protein adsorption and cell adhesion, to support the bio-specific interactions. Cell adhesion is a long-term process mediated by continuous protein secretion and surface binding, and hence presents the most stringent test of bio-inertness.; In this thesis, a self-assembled monolayer presenting mannitol groups has been designed and demonstrated to be the most inert surface up to date. Furthermore, the control of stereochemistry of the poly-hydroxyl groups of alkanethiolates at the interface could bias the degree of cell adhesion and proliferation. Mechanisms for bio-inertness and differential cell adhesion on chiral surfaces are also proposed. It is speculated that a layer water of specific structure is templated at the interface between SAMs and the bulk buffer, which affects the protein stability and thus its adsorption on the surfaces. This research finds immediate application in biotechnology and promises assistance in cancer research and tissue engineering. |
