Saccharide polymer brushes to control protein and cell adhesion to titanium

Attaining control over the surface chemistry of titanium is critical to its use in medical implants, especially to address complications such as infection and loosening of implants over time, which still present significant challenges. The surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) of a saccharide-substituted methacrylate, 2-gluconamidoethyl methacrylate (GAMA), affords dense polymer brushes that resist protein adsorption and cell adhesion. We further tailored the nature of the surfaces by covalent attachment of an adhesion peptide to afford control over cell adhesion. Whereas unmodified poly(GAMA) brushes prevent cell adhesion, brushes with a tethered GFOGER-containing peptide sequence promote the deposition of confluent well-spread cells. The presentation of adhesion proteins on a robust bioresistive background in this fashion constitutes a versatile approach to the development of new biomaterials.