Single-Step Multipurpose Surface Functionalization

Invention Summary:

Surface functionalization offers a wide array of material properties, including wettability, chemical stability, biocompatibility, catalytic activity, sensing, antifouling, anti-microbial, and cell-affinity. Despite the great interest in controlling these properties, a surface functionalization technology that is simple, robust, and also generalizable has yet to be established.

Rutgers researchers have developed an easy-to-apply, highly versatile drop coating technology for surface functionalization. Proof-of-concept testing has been performed by grafting bioactive molecules onto a variety of 2D and 3D materials (e.g., metals, semiconductors, ceramics, paper, and more). This single-step method enables simultaneous coating and functionalization of surfaces in a site-specific manner.

Market Applications:

• Drop-coating of small molecules, polymers, nucleic acids, peptides, proteins and more
• Functionalization of biosensors for on-chip detection of a wide array of organic, inorganic and enzymatic metabolites and biomarkers associated with human diseases
• Coating of medical implant surfaces for preventing bacterial colonization and biofilm formation

Advantages:

• Simple, robust, and versatile
• Capable of simultaneous coating and functionalization of 2D and 3D surfaces
• Capable of controlled surface patterning and minimization of wasted coating material
• Capable of site-specific and multiplexed grafting

Intellectual Property & Development Status:

Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or collaboration.