Reversible functionalization of germanium by thiol monolayers to probe protein / surface interactions by ATR-FTIR

The functionalization of germanium by SAMs is commonly used to passivate the surface and thus prevent its oxidation. This can also be very useful study specific interactions for instance in biosensors using protein or enzyme recognition. Several methods exist but no method has up now been described regenerate Ge surface. A procedure regenerating after proposed this article. characterization functionalized regenerated contact angle, XPS ATR-FTIR, allows establish that protocol robust. Hydrophilic (HS-(CH2)n-COOH, HS-(CH2)n-OH) hydrophobic (HS-(CH2)n-CH3) different chain lengths (n = 5 10) were tested. After ten cycles regeneration, presents same wettability, with a small decrease oxidation state. As an example interest, structure adsorbed on biomimetic surfaces (SAM type) ATR-FTIR reusable commercial crystal following elimination process retaining native properties Ge.