Cross-linking reactions in Langmuir monolayers of specially designed aminolipids – a toolbox for the customized production of amphiphilic nanosheets

Synthetic amino lipids, already known as highly efficient gene therapy tool, are used in a novel way to create cross-linked stable one-molecule-thin films envisioned for future (bio)-materials applications. The films are prepared as Langmuir monolayers at the air/water interface and cross-linked ‘in situ’ via dynamic imine chemistry. The cross-linking process and the film characteristics are monitored by various surface-sensitive techniques such as grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity, and infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy. After transfer onto carbon grids, the cross-linked films are investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The obtained micrographs display mechanically self-supported nanosheets with area dimensions over several micrometers and, thus, an undeniable visual proof of successful cross-linking. The cross-linking process at the air/water interface allows to obtain Janus-faced sheets with a hydrophobic side characterized by aliphatic alkyl chains and a hydrophilic side characterized by nucleophilic groups like amines, hydroxyl groups and imine.