Functional Cryogel Microstructures Prepared by Light-Induced Cross-Linking of a Photoreactive Copolymer

A novel, highly efficient method for the preparation of functional, microstructured and surface-attached cryogels is described. Photoinduced C,H-insertion reactions are used to generate cryogels in a single, rapid photo-cross-linking process. To this end, solutions containing both a photoreactive copolymer and the (bio)molecules to be immobilized are placed on a polymeric substrate followed by freezing and a short UV exposure. This strategy combines photolithography and cryogel formation allowing for a simultaneous generation and (bio)functionalization of cryogels in a single reaction step. To demonstrate the potential of the generated materials for bioanalytical applications, we successfully prepared DNA and protein cryogel microarrays.