Nanoscale Biocompatible Structures Generated from Fluorinated Tripodal Phenylenes on Gold Nanoprisms

Abstract

Modification of gold substrates with a stable, uniform and ultrathin layer of biocompatible materials is of tremendous interest for the development of bio‐devices. We present the fabrication of hybrid systems consisting of triangular prism gold nanoparticles (Au@NTPs) covalently covered with tripod‐shaped oligo(p‐phenylenes) featuring trifluoromethyl groups. Their synthesis is accomplished using a biphenyl boronic ester as the key compound. Au@NTPs were prepared through a seedless procedure using 3‐butenoic acid and benzyldimethyl ammonium chloride, and modified with aminothiol groups. Coverage of this amine‐modified gold substrate with a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) of tripod‐shaped molecules is carried out in ethanolic solution. The hybrid system avoids up to 70 % of protein corona formation, and allows unspecific attachment for bulky adsorbates, providing an optimal biosensing platform. Chemical composition and morphology are analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV‐visible spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).