(421g) Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films Formed at Interfaces between Thermotropic Liquid Crystals and Aqueous Phases

Highly cooperative and long-range ordering transitions observed in liquid crystalline materials suggest methods for amplification of molecular and biomolecular interactions at tailored interfaces. Towards this end, here we report that it is possible to prepare polyelectrolye multilayer (PEM) films at interfaces between aqueous solutions and thermotropic (water-immiscible) liquid crystals (LCs). Although the lateral mobility of molecules adsorbed at these fluid interfaces is high, the results of our investigation show that PEM films grow on liquid crystals in a manner comparable to the growth on the surfaces of solids. We also observe the orientational order of the LC to be coupled to the presence of the PEM films, and that the PEM films mediate the interactions of analytes such as surfactants added to the aqueous phase with the interface of the LC. Our results suggest a general and facile method for tailoring the interfacial properties of LCs for use in technologies such as chemical and biological sensors or stimuli-responsive materials.