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Reflectin Thin Films I

The aim of these experiments was to reproduce the flowcoating experiments reported in the literature and pioneer spincoating techniques in addition to performing controls to confirm that any properties of the films made were due to reflectin and not the solvent used in the preparation of the films.

Practice

The vacuum centrifuged protein was now visible as white pellets on the base of eppendorf tubes. This pellet was resuspended in HFIP before being spincoated or flowcoated onto silicon wafers or glass slides which were prepared as described in the PROTOCOL. On the first day, the resultant slides were analysed by microscopy, whereas on the second day we changed procedure slightly, centrifuging the solution first in an attempt remove impurities, and curing the thin films by heating them.

Results

The first reflectin thin films produced some astounding colours, but were far from uniform. Dark objects can be seen in the centre of the regions that vary most in colour. This suggests that the height of the thin film is varying around these supposed impurities.

Our first reflectin thin film

One of our first reflectin thin film under the microscope.

Safety