Boron-Containing Linking Agents for Covalent Surface Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods for immobilizing nonreactive molecules to surfaces and each other, and for preparing primed latent reactive surfaces for the application of target molecules using photochemically reactive groups.
Innovation Solution
The development of linking agents containing borate, borazine, or boronate groups with photoreactive functionalities, which can be activated to form covalent bonds with substrates and other molecules, enabling the immobilization of molecules and the formation of coatings and devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photoreactive groups are used to immobilize molecules to surfaces, then covalent bonding capability is improved, but the complexity of the process increases due to the need for photoactivation and specific functional groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single linking agent molecule: the borate/boronate group provides covalent bonding to the substrate, the photoreactive group enables photoactivation, and the reactive group facilitates coupling to target molecules. This integration reduces the need for separate reagents and simplifies the overall immobilization process while maintaining reliable covalent bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The linking agent is designed with multi-functionality to address various requirements: it can bond to diverse substrates through borate groups, undergo photoactivation through photoreactive groups, and couple to different target molecules through reactive groups. This universal design allows a single compound to perform multiple steps in the immobilization process, reducing procedural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If borate and boronate groups are used as linking agents, then versatility in bonding to different substrates is improved, but the stability of the bonds may be compromised due to the sensitivity of boron-containing groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the pH-dependent behavior of borate and boronate groups. These groups can form stable covalent bonds with substrates under appropriate pH conditions, and their reactivity can be modulated by changing environmental parameters. This allows the linking agent to adapt its bonding characteristics to match different substrate types while maintaining stability through controlled reaction conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These linking agents allow for the efficient immobilization of molecules on surfaces and between them, facilitating the creation of primed reactive surfaces for subsequent applications, such as bonding polymers and forming coatings, thereby enhancing surface modification and polymerization processes.
Implementation Method 1
Photochemically reactive functional groups ('photoreactive groups' or 'photogroups') are functional groups that, when exposed to an appropriate energy source, undergo a transformation from an inactive state (i.e., ground state) to a reactive intermediate capable of forming covalent bonds with appropriate materials
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include linking agents including borate, borazine, or boronate groups and coatings and devices that incorporate such linking agents, along with related methods. Other embodiments are also included herein.