Patterned nanoparticle assembly as novel chemical and biological platforms

The ability to self-assemble nanoparticles into thin films and subsequently characterize the structural or morphological responses to interfacial chemical/biological reactivity is increasingly important. Surface patterning and tailoring using nanoparticle assemblies are expected to provide such abilities for selective immobilization and chemical and biological recognition. We describe herein recent results of an investigation of hydrogen-bonding based self-assembly of core-shell nanoparticles onto monolayer-patterned surfaces, and its potential utility for in-situ atomic force microscopic characterizations of interfacial chemical and biological reactivities. This system is potentially useful for immunoassays based on topographical height changes with well-defined internal morphological standard.