A data storage medium is provided according to the present invention for magnetic recording. The data storage medium includes a substrate having a locking pattern etched therein defining patterned regions. The patterned regions are chemically modified by depositing a self-assembled monolayer therein. A first layer of nanoparticles is provided in the patterned regions on top of the self-assembled monolayer and is chemically bonded to the substrate via the self-assembled monolayer. The first layer of nanoparticles is chemically modified using functional surfactant molecules applied thereto, such that a second layer of nanoparticles may be formed on top of the first layer and chemically bonded thereto via the functional surfactant molecules. Additional layers of nanoparticles may be applied by chemically modifying the top layer of nanoparticles utilizing the functional surfactant molecules and applying a further layer of nanoparticles thereto.