Self-assembled monolayers: a journey from fundamental tools for understanding interfaces to commercial sensing technologies
Essam M. Dief A , Richard D. Tilley A and J. Justin Gooding
A *
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Abstract
Self-assembled monolayers were first described in the 1980s and have now become ubiquitous in many interfacial technologies. In this account, we discuss different self-assembled monolayer systems, outlining their positives and negatives. We then overview other researchers’ work and our own group’s journey in using self-assembled monolayers to develop new concepts in sensing and addressing general challenges faced by many types of sensors. Finally, we reflect on some of the challenges monolayer chemistry needs to address to facilitate further use of this powerful surface chemistry in commercial devices.
Keywords: continuous monitoring, DNA devices, electrochemical aptamer-based sensors, electrochemical biosensors, electrode functionalisation, molecular devices, molecular interfaces, self-assembled monolayers, single-molecule sensor.
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