Objective Smart surfaces with switchable properties hold great promise for future integrated sensors. Azobenzene molecules have been demonstrated to switch reversibly between the trans and cis isomer with picosecond time constants, when triggered with an external light source. Due to the different molecular geometries and electronic properties of the isomers, these may be used as molecular switches for realizing smart surfaces. The objective of this research proposal is to establish methods for integrating photo-switchable smart surfaces into miniaturized sensors. For efficient switching this requires on-chip light sources providing sufficient intensity at the location of the molecular switch. Ultraviolet and blue organic light emitting diodes will be integrated monolithically onto dielectric substrates with a periodically nanostructured high refractive index layer. This slab photonic crystal allows for resonant excitation of the molecular switches. Two types of smart surfaces will be studied. First, the reversible switching of wettability between hydrophilic and hydrophobic will be investigated, which is of particular importance for reconfigurable microfluidic chips. Second, the switchable surface adsorption of biomaterials is targeted. The periodic switching of the binding sites between an active and an inactive state will cause a periodic measurement signal. This allows for the use of lock-in techniques with superior signal-to-noise ratio and for subtraction of the background at same position. Combining both types of smart surfaces promises reconfigurable, multifunctional, highly-selective future integrated biosensors. The final goal of the proposed project is to demonstrate for the first time an integrated microsystem with smart surfaces switched by on-chip light sources for spatial and temporal control of the surface wettability as well as control of binding sites for biomolecules. Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsbiosensorsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesnatural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicsgeometryengineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterials Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE7 - ERC Starting Grant - Systems and communication engineering Call for proposal ERC-2012-StG_20111012 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution CHRISTIAN-ALBRECHTS-UNIVERSITAET ZU KIEL EU contribution € 1 499 878,00 Address OLSHAUSENSTRASSE 40 24118 Kiel Germany See on map Region Schleswig-Holstein Schleswig-Holstein Kiel, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Martina Gerken (Prof.) Administrative Contact Linda Piálek (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all CHRISTIAN-ALBRECHTS-UNIVERSITAET ZU KIEL Germany EU contribution € 1 499 878,00 Address OLSHAUSENSTRASSE 40 24118 Kiel See on map Region Schleswig-Holstein Schleswig-Holstein Kiel, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Martina Gerken (Prof.) Administrative Contact Linda Piálek (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data