Click chemistry applications for surfaces

Abstract

Copper(I) catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) is a powerful tool that allows for diverse functionalization from azide and alkyne precursors. This research probed the kinetics of the CuAAC reaction in- and between- lipid membranes, as well as used it to modify SU-8 and flexible PVC polymers post-polymerization while maintain key polymer properties. For membranes, this research demonstrated the comparability of in-membrane kinetics to in-solution kinetics, and saw reactivity in and between membranes comparable to reactivity previously documented in the literature for a different lipid system. For flexible PVC, azidation was completed with the aid of phase transfer catalysts, and subsequent CuAAC was performed. For SU-8 surfaces, azidation of epoxides remaining after photo-crosslinking and subsequent CuAAC demonstrate a broad array of potential functionalization. These applications make click chemistry relevant to materials in new ways and will allow for the derivatization of these materials that is limited only by the user’s creativity.