Biotemplated synthesis of stimuli-responsive nanopatterned polymer brushes on microtubules

We report the synthesis of nanostructured stimuli-responsive polymer brushes using atom transfer radical polymerisation initiated on protein filaments of the cytoskeleton. In particular, we used microtubules and prepared thermoresponsive poly-(N-iso-propylacrylamide) brushes with incorporated fluorescent groups. The use of microtubules as templates for fabrication of soft polymeric nanostructures on surfaces opens new possibilities for the design of functional materials.