Non-fouling oligo(ethylene glycol)-functionalized polymer brushes synthesized by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization

The in-situ synthesis of oligo(ethylene glycol) -functionalized polymer brushes from a self-assembled monolayer of an alkanethiol on gold that presents a tethered initiator by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization is reported. These polymer brushes exhibit no detectable adsorption of proteins, and are cell-resistant for up to a month under typical cell culture conditions. The synthesis method is compatible with a range of patterning techniques from the nano- to the microscale, and enables the patterning of cells in a biologically relevant milieu over extended periods of time. Images of the brushes are shown on the inside front cover.