Applications of self-assembled monolayers for biomolecular electronics

Preparation and characterization of ordered ultrathin organic films (a few nanometers to several hundred nanometers) has recently attracted considerable attention because of the possibility of controlling order and interactions at the molecular level and has triggered several innovative applications ranging from molecular electronics to tribology. Monomolecular films prepared by self-assembly are attractive for several exciting applications because of the unique possibility of making the selection of different types of terminal functional groups as well as length scales more flexible. The present article discusses various applications of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) in molecular electronics ranging from biosensors to optoelectronic devices with specific examples. Similarly, SAMs and multilayers of bifunctional molecules on polycrystalline substrates can be effectively used to carry out specific reactions between pendent functionalities and solution or gaseous species to produce new hybrid materials for devices such as molecular diodes. The importance of SAMs in controlling nucleation and growth is also illustrated using biomimetic synthesis of ceramic thin films (biomineralization) of zirconia.