Lead Inventors: Jeffrey Lancaster, Benjamin Dach, Nicholas Turro Ph.D., Jeffrey Koberstein Ph.D.

STV Reference #s: IR M09-099 and IR M10-008

Problem or Unmet Need:
Patterning and assembly of nanoparticles is an area of great interest as their unique mechanical, optical and electrical properties hold great promise in everything from photovoltaics to biological sensors. Photolithgraphic patterning and chemical functionalization has been well demonstrated on inorganic substrates such as silicon and gold. However, reliable assembly of nanoparticles into networks and patterning and assembly on polymer surfaces have proven more challenging.


Details of the Invention:
The invention comprises click chemistries (small modular sequences with specific chemical functionality) developed for both patterning surfaces, and nanoparticle network self-assembly. In one implementation a small molecule is applied to a polymer surfaces, and is covalently attached only in regions where it is subsequently exposed to light. This can be used to pattern functional surfaces through the use of mask-based photolithography. In another implementation two complimentary click molecules are grafted onto nanoparticles enabling assembly into hydrogel networks, or layer by layer (LBL) assembly on a substrate. The nanoparticles can be of the same material, or different compositions, and can be additionally functionalized with biomolecules, including DNA. The two schemes can further be combined to control the assembly of nanoparticles into patterns on polymer surfaces.


Applications:
• Manufacture of plastic and hybrid organic solar technologies, or other flexible electronics
• Creation of new nanocomposite materials
• Nanoparticle assemblies for use as high sensitivity biosensors
• A low cost polymer patterning method for use in the coating industry


Advantages:
• Create functional patterns on virtually any polymer surface with click functionality
• Photopatterning is low cost and can be done over large areas
• Ability to couple different nanoparticles to create nanocomposites, LBL assembly allows creation of unique anisotropic sheet-like structures


Patent Status: Patent Pending

Licensing Status: Available for Licensing and Sponsored Research Support

Further Information
Jullian G. Jones
Email: TechTransfer@columbia.edu

File Number: M10-008