Surface Patterning Using Self Assembled Monolayers (SAMs)

Self Assembled Monolayers (SAMs) are nanostructures and are a fundamental component of nanoscience and nanotechnology. SAMs are a preferred tool for carrying out surface modification of a variety of materials and are a subject of widespread scientific attention across many disciplines. The ability to tailor the physical, mechanical as well as the chemical properties of the final substrate has placed SAMs in a unique position in materials science and surface chemistry in particular. Patterning of a SAM is an important step as secondary modification which further enhances the feasibility of SAMs for specific solutions to many problems in nanoscience. Here we present a brief introduction to the subject of SAM patterning by providing an introduction to the concept of a Self Assembled Monolayer (SAM) followed by a brief review of mixed SAMs. After this, the various strategies and techniques available for patterning SAMs are presented and some of their potential biomedical applications discussed.