Optimization of aqueous SI-ATRP grafting of poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) brushes from benzyl chloride macroinitiator surfaces

Andrew E. Rodda, Francesca Ercole, David R. Nisbet, John S. Forsythe, Laurence Meagher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (pOEGMA) brushes were grafted via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) from a poly(styrene-co-vinylbenzyl chloride) macroinitiator. While bromoisobutyryl initiator groups are most commonly used for this purpose, benzyl chloride initiators may be advantageous for some applications due to superior stability. Water-only graft solutions produced thicker brush coatings with superior low fouling properties (low protein adsorption and cell adhesion) versus mixed water/alcohol solutions. Coatings produced using 475 Da OEGMA (methyl ether terminated) further reduced non-specific interactions compared to 360 Da OEGMA (hydroxyl terminated). Initiator density had minimal effect on low fouling properties.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)799 - 811
Number of pages13
JournalMacromolecular Bioscience
Volume15
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Cite this