Abstract
We apply generalized ellipsometry, well-known to be sensitive to the optical properties of anisotropic materials, to determine the amount of fibronectin protein that adsorbs onto a Ti slanted columnar thin film from solution. We find that the anisotropic optical properties of the thin film change upon organic adsorption. An optical model for ellipsometry data analysis incorporates an anisotropic Bruggeman effective medium approximation. We find that differences in experimental data from before and after fibronectin adsorption can be solely attributable to the uptake of fibronectin within the slanted columnar thin film. Simultaneous, in-situ generalized ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance measurements show excellent agreement on the amount and rate of fibronectin adsorption. Quantitative characterization of organic materials within three-dimensional, optically anisotropic slanted columnar thin films could permit their use in optical sensor applications.
Highlights
Optical sensor technologies are being developed to detect the presence of analytes including specific deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences [1] and contraband [2]
Well-known to be sensitive to the optical properties of anisotropic materials, to determine the amount of fibronectin protein that adsorbs onto a Ti slanted columnar thin film from solution
We find that differences in experimental data from before and after fibronectin adsorption can be solely attributable to the uptake of fibronectin within the slanted columnar thin film
Summary
Optical sensor technologies are being developed to detect the presence of analytes including specific deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences [1] and contraband [2]. An optical approach can provide the benefits of contactless, non-destructive measurement. Slanted columnar thin films (SCTFs) produced by electron-beam glancing angle deposition (GLAD) [3] are promising scaffolding materials for such sensors. A SCTF is a layer of nanocolumns that are tilted at a slanting angle. SCTFs have optically anisotropic properties and offer increased surface area for analyte attachment. Many applications necessitate real-time in-situ measurements under native liquid ambient. Analytes may degrade or change their conformation upon exposure to an air or vacuum environment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
