Amplified EQCM-D detection of extracellular vesicles using 2D gold nanostructured arrays fabricated by block copolymer self-assembly

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are routinely released from nearly all cell types as transport vehicles and for cell communication. Crucially, they contain biomolecular content for the identification of health and disease states that can be detected from readily accessible physiological fluids, including urine, plasma, or saliva. Despite their clinical utility within noninvasive diagnostic platforms such as liquid biopsies, the currently available portfolio of analytical approaches are challenged by EV heterogeneity in size and composition, as well as the complexity of native biofluids. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) has recently emerged as a powerful alternative for the phenotypic detection of EVs, offering multiple modes of analyte discrimination by frequency and dissipation. While providing rich data for sensor development, further progress is required to reduce detection limits and fully exploit the technique's potential within biosensing. Herein, we investigate the impact of nanostructuring the sensor electrode surface for enhancing its detection capabilities. We employ self-assembly of the block copolymer polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) to create well defined 2D gold islands via selective impregnation of the pyridine domain with gold precursors and subsequent removal of the template. When matched to the EV length scale, we find a 4-fold improvement in sensitivity despite a 4-fold reduction in area for analyte and ligand anchoring in comparison to a flat sensor surface. Creation of tailored and confined sensing regions interspersed by non-binding silica provides optimal spatial orientation for EV capture with reduced steric effects and negative cooperativity of grafted antibodies, offering a promising route for facilitated binding and enhanced performance of sensor platforms.

Metal nanoparticle arrays via a water-based lift-off scheme using a block copolymer template

Metalnanoparticles(NPs) can exhibit unique electronic, magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties. Highly ordered, dense arrays of non-close-packed, surface-supported metal NPs are thus of potential use in a wide range of applications. Implementing such arrays over large surfaces can, however, be both technologically challenging and prohibitively expensive using conventional top-down nanofabrication techniques. Moreover, many existing patterning methods are too harsh for sensitive substrate surfaces and their applications. To address this, we here investigate a fabrication protocol involving a water-based lift-off scheme in which the template pattern generation is rapidly and inexpensively achieved throughblock copolymer(BCP) self-assembly. A three-layer lift-off stack consisting of, from top to bottom, a poly(styrene-block-2-vinyl pyridine) template, a SiO_xintermediate hardmask, and a water-soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) sacrificial layer is employed in this endeavor.Solvent-induced surface reconstruction(SISR) is used to generate an initial surface topography in the BCP template which is subsequently transferred to the layers beneath in a sequence of reactive ion etching steps. Through judicious selection of stack materials and dry etch chemistries, a layered, high-aspect-ratio, nanoporous mask is thus implemented. After metal deposition, the mask and excess material are simply removed in a lift-off step by dissolving the bottommost sacrificial layer in water. The incorporation of an intermediate hardmask and a water-soluble sacrificial layer obviates the need for harmful and/or corrosive lift-off solvents and decouples the BCP self-assembly process from the influence of substrate properties. We demonstrate the generation of well-ordered arrays of Au NPs capable of supporting sharp, localized surface plasmon resonances. We also investigate improvements to large-scale uniformity, as this is found sensitive to the SISR termination step in the original protocol. Extensions of the technique to other BCP morphologies and materials deposited ought to be straightforward.

Process Window for Seeded Growth of Arrays of Quasi-Spherical Substrate-Supported Au Nanoparticles

The controlled growth of surface-supported metal nanoparticles (NPs) is essential to a broad range of applications. To this end, we explore the seeded growth of highly ordered arrays of substrate-supported Au NPs through a fully orthogonal design of experiment (DoE) scheme applied to a reaction system consisting of HAuCl₄, citrate, and hydrogen peroxide. Scanning electron microscopy in combination with digital image analysis (DIA) is used to quantitatively characterize the resultant NP populations in terms of both particle and array features. The effective optical properties of the NP arrays are additionally analyzed using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), allowing characteristics of the localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of the arrays to be quantified. We study the dependence of the DIA- and SE-extracted features on the different reagent concentrations through modeling using multiple linear regression with backward elimination of independent variables. A process window is identified for which uniform arrays of quasi-spherical Au NPs are grown over large surface areas. Aside from reagent concentrations the system is highly sensitive to the hydrodynamic conditions during the deposition. This issue is likely caused by an Au precursor mass-transport limitation of the reduction reaction and it is found that agitation of the growth medium is best avoided to ensure a macroscopically even deposition. Parasitic homogeneous nucleation can also be a challenge and was separately studied in a full DoE scheme with equivalent growth media but without substrates, using optical tracking of the solutions over time. Conditions yielding quasi-spherical surface-supported NPs are found to also be affiliated with strong tendencies for parasitic homogeneous nucleation and thereby loss of Au precursor, but addition of polyvinyl alcohol can possibly help alleviate this issue.

Seeded Growth of Large-Area Arrays of Substrate Supported Au Nanoparticles Using Citrate and Hydrogen Peroxide

While seeded growth of quasi-spherical colloidal Au nanoparticles (NPs) has been extensively explored in the literature, the growth of surface supported arrays of such particles has received less attention. The latter scenario offers some significant challenges, including the attainment of sufficient particle-substrate adhesion, growth-selectivity, and uniform mass-transport. To this end, a reaction system consisting of HAuCl₄, citrate, and H₂O₂ is here investigated for the growth of supported arrays of 10 nm Au seeds, derived via block copolymer (BCP) lithography. The effects of the reagent concentrations on the properties of the resultant NPs are evaluated. It is found that inclusion of citrate in the growth medium causes substantial particle desorption from Si surfaces. However, the presence of citrate also yields NPs with more uniformly circular top-view cross sections ("quasi-circular"), motivating the exploration of particle immobilization methods. We demonstrate that atomic layer deposition (ALD) of a single cycle of HfO₂ (∼1 Å), after the seed particle formation, promotes adhesion sufficiently to enable the use of citrate without the added oxide noticeably affecting the shape of the resultant NPs. The presented ALD-based approach differs from the conventional sequence of depositing the adhesion layer prior to the seed particle formation and may have advantages in various processing schemes, such as when surface grafting of brush layers is required in the BCP lithography process. A proof-of-concept is provided for the growth of large-area arrays of supported "quasi-circular" Au NPs, in a rapid one-step process at room temperature.

High refractive index in low metal content nanoplasmonic surfaces from self-assembled block copolymer thin films

Materials with a high and tunable refractive index are attractive for nanophotonic applications. In this contribution, we propose a straightforward fabrication technique of high-refractive index surfaces based on self-assembled nanostructured block copolymer thin films. The selective and customizable metal incorporation within out-of-plane polymer lamellae produces azimuthally isotropic metallic nanostructures of defined geometries, which were analysed using microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering techniques. Variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to relate the geometrical parameters of the metallic features and the resulting refractive index of the patterned surfaces. In particular, nanostructured gold patterns with a high degree of homogeneity and a gold content as low as 16 vol% reach a refractive index value of more than 3 in the visible domain. Our study thus demonstrates a new route for the preparation of high refractive index surfaces with a low metal content for optical applications.

Nitrogen reactive ion etch processes for the selective removal of poly-(4-vinylpyridine) in block copolymer films

Self-assembling block copolymer (BCP) patterns are one of the main contenders for the fabrication of nanopattern templates in next generation lithography technology. Transforming these templates to hard mark materials is key for pattern transfer and in some cases, involves selectively removing one block from the nanopattern. For poly(styrene)-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP), a high χ BCP system which could be potentially incorporated into semiconductor nanofabrication, this selective removal is predominantly done by a wet etch/activation process. Conversely, this process has numerous disadvantages including lack of control and high generation of waste leading to high cost. For these reasons, our motivation was to move away from the wet etch process and optimise a dry etch which would overcome the limitations associated with the activation process. The work presented herein shows the development of a selective plasma etch process for the removal of P4VP cores from PS-b-P4VP nanopatterned film. Results have shown that a nitrogen reactive ion etch plasma has a selectivity for P4VP of 2.2:1 and suggest that the position of the nitrogen in the aromatic ring of P4VP plays a key role in this selectivity. In situ plasma etching and x-ray photoelectron spectrometry measurements were made without breaking vacuum, confirming that the nitrogen plasma has selectivity for removal of P4VP over PS.

Synthesis of Au Nanoparticles with Benzoic Acid as Reductant and Surface Stabilizer Promoted Solely by UV Light

Photoreductive synthesis of colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from Au³⁺ is one important process for nanoprocessing. Several methods have been proposed; however, there is no report of a method capable of producing AuNPs with inexpensive reagents acting as both reductant and surface stabilizer, promoted solely under photoirradiation. We found that UV irradiation of water with Au³⁺ and benzoic acid successfully produces monodispersed AuNPs, where thermal reduction does not occur in the dark condition even at elevated temperatures. Photoexcitation of a benzoate-Au³⁺ complex reduces Au³⁺ while oxidizing benzoic acid. The benzoic acid molecules are adsorbed on the AuNPs and act as surface stabilizers. Change in light intensity and benzoic acid amount successfully creates AuNPs with controllable sizes. The obtained AuNPs can easily be redispersed in an organic solvent or loaded onto a solid support by simple treatments.

Strategies for Inorganic Incorporation using Neat Block Copolymer Thin Films for Etch Mask Function and Nanotechnological Application

Block copolymers (BCPs) and their directed self-assembly (DSA) has emerged as a realizable complementary tool to aid optical patterning of device elements for future integrated circuit advancements. Methods to enhance BCP etch contrast for DSA application and further potential applications of inorganic nanomaterial features (e.g., semiconductor, dielectric, metal and metal oxide) are examined. Strategies to modify, infiltrate and controllably deposit inorganic materials by utilizing neat self-assembled BCP thin films open a rich design space to fabricate functional features in the nanoscale regime. An understanding and overview on innovative ways for the selective inclusion/infiltration or deposition of inorganic moieties in microphase separated BCP nanopatterns is provided. Early initial inclusion methods in the field and exciting contemporary reports to further augment etch contrast in BCPs for pattern transfer application are described. Specifically, the use of evaporation and sputtering methods, atomic layer deposition, sequential infiltration synthesis, metal-salt inclusion and aqueous metal reduction methodologies forming isolated nanofeatures are highlighted in di-BCP systems. Functionalities and newly reported uses for electronic and non-electronic technologies based on the inherent properties of incorporated inorganic nanostructures using di-BCP templates are highlighted. We outline the potential for extension of incorporation methods to triblock copolymer features for more diverse applications. Challenges and emerging areas of interest for inorganic infiltration of BCPs are also discussed.

Selective enrichment of low concentration Au(iii) from acidic chloride media by poly ionic liquid sorbent

Hydrophilic ionic liquid (imidazolium chloride, imCl)–polyvinyl chloride ionomer (imCl–PVC) as a green sorbent to recover precious gold from acidic chloride solution was characterized by SEM, FTIR, XPS and NMR.

Engineering Hybrid Metallic Nanostructures Using a Single Domain of Block Copolymer Templates

Building complex nanostructures using a simple patterned template is challenging in material science and nanotechnology. In the present work, three different strategies have been exploited for the successful fabrication of hybrid dots-on-wire metallic nanostructures through combining an in-situ method with an ex-situ method. Basically, plasma etching was applied to generate a metallic wire-like nanostructure, and preformed nanoparticles could be placed through multiple means before or after the formation of the wire-like nanostructure. Various monometallic and bimetallic nanostructures have been obtained by utilizing only one functional domain of block copolymer templates. In these cases, full utilization of the functional domain or introduction of the molecular linker is critical to engineering hybrid metallic nanostructures. Other complex and multifunctional hybrid nanostructures can be developed via these strategies similarly, and these nanostructures are promising for useful applications such as optics and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).

Electrostatic Force Microscopic Characterization of Early Stage Carbon Deposition on Nickel Anodes in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Carbon deposition on nickel anodes degrades the performance of solid oxide fuel cells that utilize hydrocarbon fuels. Nickel anodes with BaO nanoclusters deposited on the surface exhibit improved performance by delaying carbon deposition (i.e., coking). The goal of this research was to visualize early stage deposition of carbon on nickel surface and to identify the role BaO nanoclusters play in coking resistance. Electrostatic force microscopy was employed to spatially map carbon deposition on nickel foils patterned with BaO nanoclusters. Image analysis reveals that upon propane exposure initial carbon deposition occurs on the Ni surface at a distance from the BaO features. With continued exposure, carbon deposits penetrate into the BaO-modified regions. After extended exposure, carbon accumulates on and covers BaO. The morphology and spatial distribution of deposited carbon was found to be sensitive to experimental conditions.

High porosity supermacroporous polystyrene materials with excellent oil-water separation and gas permeability properties

Two types of monolith high-porosity supermacroporous polystyrene materials had been controlled synthesized from water-in-oil Pickering emulsions. The first type, closed-cell high-porosity (up to 91%) supermacroporous (ca. 500 μm) polystyrene materials (CPPs) was prepared by employing amphiphilic carbonaceous microspheres (CMs) as high internal phase emulsion stabilizer without any inorganic salts or further modifying the wettability of the particles. The second type, hierarchical porous polystyrene materials with highly interconnected macropores (IPPs), was constructed from emulsions stabilized simultaneously by CM particles and a little amount of surfactants. Both types of these monolith porous polystyrene materials possessed excellent mechanical strength. The CPPs were used as absorbents for oil-water separation and high absorption capacity, and absorption rate for oils were realized, which was attributed to their porosity structure and the swelling property of the polystyrene, while the IPPs were highly permeable for gases due to their interconnected macropores.

Scalable high-fidelity growth of semiconductor nanorod arrays with controlled geometry for photovoltaic devices using block copolymers

Controlled density semiconducting oxide arrays are highly desirable for matching nanometer length scales specific to emerging applications. This work demonstrates a facile one-step method for templating hydrothermal growth which provides arrays with high-fidelity tuning of nanorod spacing and diameter. This solution-based method leverages the selective swelling of block copolymer micelle templates, which can be rationally designed by tuning molecular weight and volume fraction.

Deep-nanoscale pattern engineering by immersion-induced self-assembly

The directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) is expected to complement conventional optical lithography due to its excellent pattern resolution and cost-effectiveness. Recent studies have shown that BCPs with a large Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (χ) are critical for a reduction of the thermodynamic defect density as well as an increase in pattern density. However, due to their slower self-assembly kinetics, high-χ BCPs typically necessitate solvent vapor annealing, which requires complex facilities and procedures compared to simple thermal annealing. Here, we introduce an immersion-triggered directed self-assembly (iDSA) process and demonstrate the combined advantages of excellent simplicity, productivity, large-area capability, and tunability. We show that the vapor-free, simple immersion of high-χ BCPs in a composition-optimized mixture of nonswelling and swelling solvents can induce the ultrafast (≤ 5 min) formation of nanoscale patterns with a pattern size ranging from 8-18 nm. Moreover, iDSA enables the reversible formation of seven different nanostructures from one sphere-forming BCP, demonstrating the outstanding controllability of this self-assembly route.

Plasmonic nanostructures to enhance catalytic performance of zeolites under visible light

Light absorption efficiency of heterogeneous catalysts has restricted their photocatalytic capability for commercially important organic synthesis. Here, we report a way of harvesting visible light efficiently to boost zeolite catalysis by means of plasmonic gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) supported on zeolites. Zeolites possess strong Brønsted acids and polarized electric fields created by extra-framework cations. The polarized electric fields can be further intensified by the electric near-field enhancement of Au-NPs, which results from the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) upon visible light irradiation. The acetalization reaction was selected as a showcase performed on MZSM-5 and Au/MZSM-5 (M = H⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, or La³⁺). The density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed that the intensified polarized electric fields played a critical role in stretching the C = O bond of the reactants of benzaldehyde to enlarge their molecular polarities, thus allowing reactants to be activated more efficiently by catalytic centers so as to boost the reaction rates. This discovery should evoke intensive research interest on plasmonic metals and diverse zeolites with an aim to take advantage of sunlight for plasmonic devices, molecular electronics, energy storage, and catalysis.

Surface plasmon-enhanced zeolite catalysis under light irradiation and its correlation with molecular polarity of reactants

The catalytic performance of zeolites can be boosted by the electric near-field enhancement (ENFE) of plasmonic Au-NPs induced by the localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) under visible light irradiation.

Gold-decorated block copolymer microspheres with controlled surface nanostructures

Gold-decorated block copolymer microspheres (BCP-microspheres) displaying various surface morphologies were prepared by the infiltration of Au precursors into polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) microspheres. The microspheres were fabricated by emulsifying the PS-b-P4VP polymers in chloroform into a surfactant solution in water, followed by the evaporation of chloroform. The selective swelling of the P4VP domains in the microspheres by the Au precursor under acidic conditions resulted in the formation of Au-decorated BCP-microspheres with various surface nanostructures. As evidenced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements, dotted surface patterns were formed when microspheres smaller than 800 nm were synthesized, whereas fingerprint-like surface patterns were observed with microspheres larger than 800 nm. Au nanoparticles (NPs) were located inside P4VP domains near the surfaces of the prepared microspheres, as confirmed by TEM. The optical properties of the BCP-microspheres were characterized using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime measurements. A maximum absorption peak was observed at approximately 580 nm, indicating that Au NPs are densely packed into P4VP domains on the microspheres. Our approach for creating Au-NP-hybrid BCP-microspheres can be extended to other NP systems such as iron-oxide or platinum NPs. These precursors can also be selectively incorporated into P4VP domains and induce the formation of hybrid BCP-microspheres with controlled surface nanostructures.

An emerging pore-making strategy: confined swelling-induced pore generation in block copolymer materials

Block copolymers (BCPs) composed of two or more thermodynamically incompatible homopolymers self-assemble into periodic microdomains. Exposing self-assembled BCPs with solvents selective to one block causes a swelling of the domains composed of this block. Strong swelling in the confinement imposed by the matrix of the other glassy block leads to well-defined porous structures via morphology reconstruction. This confined swelling-induced pore-making process has emerged recently as a new strategy to produce porous materials due to synergic advantages that include extreme simplicity, high pore regularity, involvement of no chemical reactions, no weight loss, reversibility of the pore forming process, etc. The mechanism, kinetics, morphology, and governing parameters of the confined swelling-induced pore-making process in BCP thin films are discussed, and the main applications of nanoporous thin films in the fields of template synthesis, surface patterning, and guidance for the areal arrangements of nanomaterials and biomolecules are summarized. Recent, promising results of extending this mechanism to produce BCP nanofibers or nanotubes and bulk materials with well-defined porosity, which makes this strategy also attractive to researchers outside the nanocommunity, are also presented.