In order to optimize the performance of the AMBRI(TM) biosensor (Nature 1997, 387, 580), a variety of hydrophilic linkers between the hydrophobic bilayer membrane and the gold surface have been synthesized. The principal components are prepared from phytanyl hemisuccinate, which is linked by repeating ethylene glycol or propylene glycol units to a second succinic acid unit. The syntheses of analogous substances in which the ester links are replaced by amide and by ether links are also described.
In order to optimize the performance of the AMBRI(TM) biosensor (Nature 1997, 387, 580), a variety of hydrophilic linkers between the hydrophobic bilayer membrane and the gold surface have been synthesized. The principal components are prepared from phytanyl hemisuccinate, which is linked by repeating ethylene glycol or propylene glycol units to a second succinic acid unit. The syntheses of analogous substances in which the ester links are replaced by amide and by ether links are also described.