Molecular engineering of polymer surfaces that includes the attachment of functional molecules to existing or previously generated reactive chemical groups like e.g., - OH, - NH2, or - CHO requires simple strategies and tools for the controlled generation of surface functionalities and their derivatization as well as for their identification and eventually quantification. Here, we systematically investigate the plasma-chemical surface modification of polypropylene films in combination with dansyl labeling chemistry and conventional, yet costly, XPS and highly sensitive fluorescence spectroscopy for the detection of surface groups. Based on these results, the potential of and requirements on the fluorometric characterization and quantification of surfaces functionalities are discussed.
A straightforward strategy toward the sensitive fluorometric detection of primary amino groups on plasma-chemically modified polypropylene supports is presented, exploiting the transformation of the sterically nonhindered pyrylium dye Py-1 into its pyridinium counterpart. The reaction-induced blue-shifted absorption and emission bands and an increased fluorescence quantum yield provide the basis for the spectroscopic distinction between covalently bound and free, that is, nonspecifically adsorbed label molecules. With this label, for the first time, plasma-chemically introduced amino functionalities could be monitored on the surface of a polymer film employing fluorescence spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Polypropylene supports were functionalized by plasma-deposition of polymeric allylamine layers. The surface amino groups generated were wet-chemically reacted with xanthene dyes resulting in fluorescent polymer films. The effect of polymer-attachment of the dyes on their emission features was studied fluorometrically and different methods were tested to improve the fluorescence properties of the films. Modification with cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) yields a moderately enhanced fluorescence as well as an improved photostability. The observed effect is most likely due to CB6-induced rigidization of the linker molecules which seems to reduce fluorescence quenching dyedye and fluorophoresurface interactions.