Bioactive surfaces and biomaterials via atom transfer radical polymerization

Abstract Recent progress in controlled radical polymerizations, in particular atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), has provided a unique means for the design and synthesis of bioactive surfaces and functional biomaterials. This review summarizes such recent research activities. The synthesis strategies of bioactive surfaces and biomaterials via ATRP are described in detail. The highly robust and versatile ATRP technique is particularly suited for the preparation of functional bioactive surfaces, including antifouling, antibacterial, stimuli-responsive, biomolecule-coupled and micropatterned surfaces. In addition to bioactive surfaces, ATRP has also been widely used for the preparation of well-structured functional biomaterials, such as micellar delivery systems, hydrogels, cationic gene carriers and polymer–protein conjugates. The research activities in the last decade indicate that ATRP has become an essential tool for the design and synthesis of advanced, noble and novel biomaterials.