“Non‐Fouling” Oligo(ethylene glycol)‐ Functionalized Polymer Brushes Synthesized by Surface‐Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

The in‐situ synthesis of oligo(ethylene glycol)‐functionalized polymer brushes from a self‐assembled monolayer of an alkanethiol on gold that presents a tethered initiator by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization is reported. These polymer brushes exhibit no detectable adsorption of proteins, and are cell‐resistant for up to a month under typical cell culture conditions. The synthesis method is compatible with a range of patterning techniques from the nano‐ to the microscale, and enables the patterning of cells in a biologically relevant milieu over extended periods of time. Images of the brushes are shown on the inside front cover.