Polymer brushes: Applications in biomaterials and nanotechnology

Surface-confined macromolecules known as polymer brushes are being increasing applied to a variety of areas. As more information is gained on the molecular structure of polymer brushes and how they respond to environmental stimuli, these applications are becoming wider ranging and better defined. This review seeks to highlight recent contributions in two broad areas: biotechnology and nanotechnology. These are positions in which polymer brushes are well-suited to offer performance gains. Examples are given that describe the benefits of using a well defined, covalently bound, and densely grafted polymer including in areas such as prevention of bacterial adherence, cell attachment, electrochemistry, and formation of colloidal crystals.