Molecular multitools

The international team of researchers created surfaces which are coated with a molecule which has a Ruthenium-atom in its center. This molecule-complex, which is permanently attached to the surface, acts as a molecular screwdriver: “You can think of this molecule as a screwdriver, and we can attach different bits – that means molecules allowing different functionalities like wettability – to this screwdriver”, says Prof. Dr. Si Wu, group leader at the MPI-P (department of Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Butt).

The attachment of such bits – here, so called thioether groups, organic molecules containing a sulfur atom – has so far been performed by chemical bonds which could not be released easily. In the past, the surface functionalities could only be removed using complicated chemical removal methods, which often destroyed not only the thioether, but also the Ruthenium complexes.

In their work, the researchers showed that their molecules allow the removal of the “bits” – that means the thioether groups – by using visible light. “This is of great importance if we think of using biomolecules at the surface, which can easily be destroyed by using UV light. So in our experiment, we use visible light, which has less energy and thus doesn’t destroy biomolecules”, says Wu.

With their method, it is possible to structure surfaces in an easy way. In the dark, the whole surface area is functionalized with a desired molecule, giving for example the possibility to create hydrophobic areas. The surface is then illuminated through a shadow mask with light – this cleaves the bond between the Ruthenium complex attached to the surface and the functional thioether group. After washing the surface, the functional groups are removed at the illuminated surface areas, leaving only the non-illuminated parts.

As the Ruthenium complex is not washed away, it stays on the surface and can then – after washing – be used again to attach another bit. Thus, the surface is reconfigurable multiple times.
The results of the researchers have now been published in the well renowned journal “Nature communications”.

About Prof. Dr. Si Wu
Si Wu was born in 1982 in Chongqing, China. He studied polymer chemistry at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China and obtained Bachelor’s degree in 2005. He was supported by the joint doctoral promotion program working at USTC and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPIP), Mainz, Germany. In 2010, he received his PhD on photoresponsive composites of azopolymers. He has been a group leader at MPIP since 2012. In 2018, he was appointed as a full professor at USTC and established a new group in Hefei. Because of his research in photoresponsive materials, Si Wu was awarded “10 Leading Chinese Talents on Science and Technology in Europe 2016” in Denmark.

Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research
The Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPI-P) ranks among the globally leading research centers in the field of polymer research since its foundation in 1984. The focus on soft materials and macromolecular materials has resulted in the unique worldwide position of the MPI-P and its research focus. Fundamental polymers research on both production and characterization as well as analysis of physical and chemical properties are conducted by scientific collaborators from all over the world. Presently over 500 people are working at the MPI-P, the vast majority of whom are engaged in scientific research.

Prof. Dr. Si Wu
Physics of Interfaces
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
Ackermannweg 10
D-55128 Mainz
Tel. +49(0)6131/379-196
email: wusi@mpip-mainz.mpg.de

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-06180-7

http://www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de/4392775/Dr_Si_Wu – Website of Prof. Dr. Si Wu
http://www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de – Website of the MPI-P