Functionalized molecular layers and scaffolds, and methods of preparation and use thereof

A scaffold comprising a molecular layer positioned on a surface of a support material, the molecular layer comprising polymerized amphiphiles organized in a striped pattern to form an exposed polymer backbone, each of the polymerized amphiphiles comprising one or more exposed alkyl chains and one or more functional head groups covalently bonded with an exposed alkyl chain;

• wherein the one or more functional head groups are in an orientation capable of binding a target and the alkyl chains and functional head groups are organized in a repeating striped pattern comprising a width at a periodicity.