Surface functionalization of cubic boron nitride films for biological sensing applications

Surface functionalization and modification scheme of cubic boron nitride (cBN) films deposited by chemical vapor deposition was demonstrated. A homogeneous layer of amino groups was bonded covalently on the B and/or N atoms of cBN surface via a photochemical reaction with allylamine. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was carried out to verify comprehensively each stage of the surface modification process. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were self-assembled on the amine-terminated cBN surface, and a dense and well-distributed AuNPs monolayer was obtained. Modification of amine-terminated cBN films with amine-modified DNA probes presents an example of applications as DNA biosensors. © 2008 American Institute of Physics.