Biomolecular recognition of crystal defects

Abstract

Discrete and diffuse defects in a surface are detected. Discrete defects that may compromise the performance may be repaired.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of repairing a defect in a surface coating on a substrate, comprising:
 providing a material comprising a moiety exhibiting an affinity for the substrate but not for the coating; a repair material for the coating, and a tether linking the moiety and the repair material;   using the material to deliver the repair material to the defect; and   incorporating the repair material into the surface coating.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises a metal, ceramic, polymer, or semiconductor. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the repair material is a catalyst for electroless plating, and wherein incorporating comprises plating at least the defect with the surface coating material. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the repair material is an oligomer of a polymer component of the surface coating, and wherein incorporating comprises heating the region of the defect, exposing the region of the defect to a cross-linking agent, or both. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the repair material is a particle of the material of the surface coating, and wherein incorporating comprises annealing the region of the defect. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the moiety is a peptide. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the tether comprises a peptide, streptavidin, or a nucleic acid oligomer. 
     
     
         8 - 79 . (canceled)