Polymer substrates for controlled biological interactions

The identification of a myriad of small peptide and carbohydrate ligands recognized by cell surface receptors has generated enthusiasm for the use of these ligands of components of biomaterials for controlling cellular interactions. Achieving control of cell interactions via ligand modification of materials also requires that nonspecific interactions of cells with these materials due to surface adsorption of biological macromolecules is minimized. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) exhibits extraordinary inertness toward most biological macromolecules and is thus receiving increasing attention as a component of new materials for controlling cell behavior. Both surface and bulk modifications with PEO are being applied to develop a range of bland substrate materials as vehicles for ligand immobilization.