Protein resistance of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of hexa(ethylene glycols) (EG(6)) has previously been shown to be dependent on the alkoxyl end-group termination of the SAM, which determines wettability [S. Herrwerth, W. Eck, S. Reinhardt, and M. Grunze, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 125, 9359 (2003)]. In the present study, the same series of hexa(ethylene glycols) was used to examine the correlation between protein resistance and the settlement and adhesion of eukaryotic algal cells, viz., zoospores of the macroalga Ulva and cells of the diatom Navicula, which adhere to the substratum through the secretion of protein-containing glues. Results showed that the initial settlement of Ulva zoospores was highest on the hydrophilic EG(6)OH but that cells were only weakly adhered. The number of Ulva zoospores and Navicula cells firmly adhered to the SAMs systematically increased with decreasing wettability, as shown for the protein fibrinogen. The data are discussed in terms of hydration forces and surface charges in the SAMs.

The influence of the number of repeating units in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of ethylene glycol and of their end-group termination on the settlement and adhesion of two types of algal cells, viz., zoospores of the macroalga Ulva and cells of the diatom Navicula , was studied. The findings are related to the resistance of these surfaces against fibrinogen adsorption. Results showed that settlement and adhesion of algal cells to oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG; 2-6 EG units) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG; MW = 2000, 5000) SAMs was low, while resistance was less effective for mono(ethylene glycol) (EG(1)OH)-terminated surfaces. These findings concur with former protein adsorption studies. In situ microscopy showed that PEG surfaces inhibited the settlement of zoospores, i.e., zoospores did not attach to the surfaces and remained motile. In contrast, on EG(2-6)OH surfaces, although zoospores settled, i.e., they secreted adhesive and lost motility, adhesion between secreted adhesive and the surface was extremely weak, and the settled spores were unable to bond to the surfaces. The influence of surface properties such as hydration, conformational degrees of freedom, and interfacial characteristics of the SAMs is discussed to understand the underlying repulsive mechanisms occurring in (ethylene glycol)-based coatings.

Nanopatterns: The feasibility of a new lithographic technique, chemical lithography with self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of commercially available aliphatic compounds as resist materials, is demonstrated by the fabrication of polymer nanopatterns (see image). The technique is based on an irradiation‐promoted exchange reaction. Patterning requires a much lower dose than electron‐beam chemical lithography with aromatic SAMs as resists.

Brushing up: Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) micro‐ and nanostructures can be grown on a gold substrate by grafting the polymer brush from an initiator‐coated surface. The dependence of the brush height on the density of the initiator (controlled by the electron‐beam doses) allows spatially defined polymer patterns with varying heights and unique surface topographies (see image) to be created in a single step.