We present a readily accessible strategy for creating protein-resistant surfaces that contain azides, based on spontaneous adsorption of a comb-like copolymer. Using a strain-promoted azide alkyne cycloaddition, we illustrate the single-step conjugation of various representatives of important applications: the labeling with small organic molecules, capture of nanoparticles, attachment of native enzymes at a controlled density, and control of cell adhesion. Through the simple addition of a functional peptide to cell culture medium, our substrates' cell-adhesive properties can be switched on demand, allowing dynamic studies. This powerful technique allowed diverse applications. We demonstrate rapid cell adhesion following peptide addition, and studied triggered spreading using various cell lines. Experiments were performed at the single cell level, but also on the collective level. Using pattern-in-pattern techniques, we explored substrate-wide triggered cell shape change and patterned coculturing as promising applications of this versatile yet accessible strategy.

Click-switch for cell adhesion, migration, or shape change

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.