Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization—a technique to develop biofunctional coatings

The initial formation of initiating sites for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) on various polymer surfaces and numerous inorganic and metallic surfaces is elaborated. The subsequent ATRP grafting of a multitude of monomers from such surfaces to generate thin covalently linked polymer coatings is discussed briefly in order to provide a readily accessible survey. The potential for achieving a range of well-defined biofunctionalities, such as inhibition of non-specific fouling, immobilization of biomolecules, separation of proteins, adsorbents for proteins or cells, antibacterial activity, and encapsulation of drugs in particular provided by these surface-grafted polymers is described.