Multivalent host-guest interactions between beta-cyclodextrin self-assembled monolayers and poly(isobutene-alt-maleic acid)s modified with hydrophobic guest moieties.

Poly(isobutene-alt-maleic acid)s modified with p-tert-butylphenyl or adamantyl groups interact with beta-cyclodextrin self-assembled monolayers (beta-CD SAMs) by inclusion of the hydrophobic substituents in the beta-cyclodextrin cavities. The adsorption was shown to be strong, specific, and irreversible. Even with a monovalent competitor in solution, adsorption to the beta-CD SAMs was observed, and desorption proved impossible. The adsorbed polymer layer was very thin as evidenced by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and AFM. Apparently, all or most hydrophobic groups of the polymers were employed efficiently in multivalent binding, as was further supported by the absence of specific binding of beta-CD-modified gold nanoparticles to the polymer surface assemblies. Supramolecular microcontact printing of the polymers onto the beta-CD SAMs led to assembly formation in the targeted areas of the substrates.