Biomolecule-functionalized polymer brushes

Chem Soc Rev. 2013 Apr 21;42(8):3394-426. doi: 10.1039/c2cs35453e.

Abstract

Functional polymer brushes have been utilized extensively for the immobilization of biomolecules, which is of crucial importance for the development of biosensors and biotechnology. Recent progress in polymerization methods, in particular surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), has provided a unique means for the design and synthesis of new biomolecule-functionalized polymer brushes. This current review summarizes such recent research activities. The different preparation strategies for biomolecule immobilization through polymer brush spacers are described in detail. The functional groups of the polymer brushes used for biomolecule immobilization include epoxide, carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, aldehyde, and amine groups. The recent research activities indicate that functional polymer brushes become versatile and powerful spacers for immobilization of various biomolecules to maximize their functionalities. This review also demonstrates that surface-initiated ATRP is used more frequently than other polymerization methods in the designs of new biomolecule-functionalized polymer brushes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aldehydes / chemistry
  • Amines / chemistry
  • Carboxylic Acids / chemistry
  • Enzymes, Immobilized / chemistry
  • Enzymes, Immobilized / metabolism
  • Epoxy Compounds / chemistry
  • Free Radicals / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Hydroxides / chemistry
  • Immobilized Proteins / chemistry
  • Immobilized Proteins / metabolism
  • Polymerization
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Aldehydes
  • Amines
  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Enzymes, Immobilized
  • Epoxy Compounds
  • Free Radicals
  • Hydroxides
  • Immobilized Proteins
  • Polymers
  • Proteins
  • hydroxide ion