Supramolecular microcontact printing with receptor-functionalized PDMS stamps

Abstract

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamps have been functionalized with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) receptors to achieve control over-inking and transfer of specific molecules by supramolecular microcontact printing (SµCP). Monovalent adamantyl ink molecules (lissamine-Ad) were self-assembled onto the β-CD host-covered stamps, which transferred the ink molecules onto a target substrate. The monovalent ink was recognized specifically from solutions containing other, nonbinding molecules with a selectivity of at least 4000. The adsorption of inks from a mixture of mono- and divalent guests was dominated by the divalent molecules owing to their higher binding strength. A host-functionalized silicon dioxide surface covered with a self-assembled ink monolayer was used as a supramolecular inkpad to ink a β-CD-functionalized stamp, which offered increased control over the number of ink molecules applied.