Abstract

There has been tremendous progress in fabrication of ultrathin films with nm precision as regards internal structure and roughness. The versatility and modularity of film prepara-tion by alternating adsorption of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes has then enabled to introduce multifunctionality and stability into these films. This will be presented concern-ing the following issues:

- Optically active polymers and nanoparticles will be introduced to assemble structures for photoelectric energy conversion. - Insertion of suitable enzymes leads to amperometric biosensors. - Since the films can be made sensitive to changes in electrochemical environment or pH on may use them as anticorrosion coatings since they may release a corrosion inhibitor on demand. - Via metallic nanoparticles they may be made IR and heat sensitive. This can be made use of in controlled release from coatings, e.g. to stimulate the growth of adjacent cells.