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Polymers

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...

Polymers

Polymers

Protein-protein Interfaces

Protein-protein Interfaces

Many proteins form complexes to carry out their functions, making protein-protein interactions (PPIs) essential for an organism's survival. Most PPIs are stabilized by numerous weak noncovalent chemical forces. The physical shape of the interfaces determines the way two proteins interact. Many globular proteins have closely-matching shapes on their surfaces, which form a large number of weak bonds. Additionally, many PPIs occur between two helices or between a surface cleft and a...

Protein-Protein Interfaces

Protein-Protein Interfaces

Protein and Protein Structure

Protein and Protein Structure

Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules. Proteins may be structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective. They may serve in transport, storage, or membranes; or they may be toxins or enzymes. Their structures, like their functions, vary greatly. They are all, however, amino acid polymers arranged in a linear sequence.
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme...

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Preparation and Friction Force Microscopy Measurements of Immiscible, Opposing Polymer Brushes

Preparation and Friction Force Microscopy Measurements of Immiscible, Opposing Polymer Brushes

Published on: December 24, 2014

Quasi-3D-Structured Interfaces by Polymer Brushes.

Edmondo M Benetti¹

¹Polymer Surfaces Group, Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5/10, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.

Macromolecular Rapid Communications

|May 23, 2018

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers are creating advanced polymer brushes with quasi-3D structures for tailored surface properties. These engineered polymer brushes offer precise control over swelling, mechanical, and tribological characteristics, impacting various applications.

Keywords:

polymer brushes surface functionalization surface gradients surface-initiated polymerizations thin films

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Polymer Chemistry
Surface Science

Background:

Surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization enables advanced polymer brush fabrication.
Polymer brushes have evolved from simple functionalization to complex quasi-3D structures.
Tuning polymer architecture significantly impacts interfacial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize recent advancements in synthesizing and applying quasi-3D polymer brushes.
To highlight how polymer architecture modifications influence interfacial characteristics.
To explore the potential of structured polymer brushes in diverse applications.

Main Methods:

Surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization techniques.
Design and synthesis of polymer brushes with controlled architectures.
Characterization of interfacial, physicochemical, nanomechanical, and nanotribological properties.

Main Results:

Demonstrated precise tuning of swelling, nanomechanical, and nanotribological properties.
Exploited multilayer brush interfaces for controlling biological interactions (cell adhesion, bacterial contamination).
Established a link between grafted-polymer architecture and interfacial property variations.

Conclusions:

Quasi-3D polymer brushes offer extensive control over surface properties.
Structured polymer brushes are versatile platforms for advanced material design.
Future applications include tailored biomaterials and anti-fouling surfaces.