Fabricating two-dimensional molecular gradients via asymmetric deformation of uniformly-coated elastomer sheets

Molecular gradients comprising two-dimensional in-plane variation of density of substrate-grafted molecules (see Figure, darker regions in the plot denote regions with higher substrate density) have been fabricated. This is achieved by utilizing the technology of "mechanically assembled monolayers" in conjunction with in-plane asymmetric stretching of elastomeric substrates uniformly-coated with organosilane precursors (see cover).