Amphiphilic Copolymers for Versatile, Facile, and In Situ Tunable Surface Biofunctionalization

Precision surface engineering is key to advanced biomaterials. A new platform of PEGylated styrene-maleic acid copolymers for adsorptive surface biofunctionalization is reported. Balanced amphiphilicity renders the copolymers water-soluble but strongly affine for surfaces. Fine-tuning of their molecular architecture provides control over adsorptive anchorage onto specific materials-which is why they are referred to as anchor polymers (APs)-and over structural characteristics of the adsorbed layers. Conjugatable with an array of bioactives-including cytokine-complexing glycosaminoglycans, cell-adhesion-mediating peptides and antimicrobials-APs can be applied to customize materials for demanding biotechnologies in uniquely versatile, simple, and robust ways. Moreover, homo- and heterodisplacement of adsorbed APs provide unprecedented means of in situ alteration and renewal of the functionalized surfaces. The related options are exemplified with proof-of-concept experiments of controlled bacterial adhesion, human umbilical vein endothelial cell, and induced pluripotent cell growth on AP-functionalized surfaces.

Automated summary

Precision surface engineering is essential for advanced biomaterials, with a new platform of PEGylated styrene-maleic acid copolymers reported for adsorptive surface biofunctionalization. These copolymers, known as anchor polymers (APs), can be conjugated with various bioactives for customized materials in biotechnologies. The fine-tuning of their molecular architecture provides control over adsorptive anchorage onto specific materials, showcasing versatility, simplicity, and robustness in their applications.