Fotokeresztkötés

Fotokeresztkötés, also known as photocrosslinking, is a process where molecules are linked together using light. This technique is widely employed in various scientific fields, particularly in chemistry, biology, and materials science. The core principle involves the use of light-sensitive molecules, often called photoinitiators or photosensitive groups, which, upon exposure to specific wavelengths of light, generate reactive species. These reactive species then initiate a chemical reaction that leads to the formation of covalent bonds between adjacent molecules or within a single large molecule.

The type of light used, the wavelength, and the duration of exposure are critical parameters that can be precisely controlled to achieve desired outcomes. This allows for spatial and temporal control over the crosslinking process, enabling the creation of intricate patterns or structures. For instance, in microfabrication, photolithography utilizes photocrosslinking to transfer patterns onto surfaces. In polymer science, it is used to create crosslinked polymer networks with tailored mechanical and thermal properties. In biological applications, photocrosslinking can be employed to immobilize biomolecules onto surfaces, to study protein interactions, or to create hydrogels for tissue engineering. The versatility and precision offered by photocrosslinking make it a valuable tool for manipulating matter at a molecular level.