Controlling Supramolecular
Complex Formation on the
Surface of a Monolayer-Protected Gold Nanoparticle in Water
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Abstract
A combination of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions
drives
the self-assembly of a large number of small molecules on the surface
of a monolayer-protected gold nanoparticle. The hydrophobic interactions
originate from the insertion of an aromatic unit in the hydrophobic
part of the monolayer. This is evidenced by a shift in the emission
wavelength of the fluorogenic probe upon binding. Up to around 35
small molecules can be simultaneously bound to the monolayer surface
at micromolar concentrations in water. It is shown that an understanding
of the supramolecular interactions that drive complex formation on
the monolayer surface provides unprecedented control over the supramolecular
chemistry occurring on the surface. By taking advantage of the different
kinds of noncovalent interactions present in different probes, it
is possibile to displace one type of surface-bound molecule from a
heteromeric surface selectively. Finally, it is also possible to catch
and release one type of surface-bound molecule selectively