Protein-resistant coatings based on CVD polymerization coupled with ATRP Joerg Lahann, University of Michigan Ann Arbor,

1. Protein-resistant coatings based on CVD polymerization coupled with ATRPJoerg Lahann, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, DMR 0449462 • Intellectual Merit • Stable surfaces with well-defined properties are essential for biomedical devices and other biotechnological applications where surface chemistries influence their performance1. In this regard, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) provides a surface modification approach that is applicable to various substrates to create coatings with chemically-reactive groups that can be further modified. We have recently used CVD to prepare polymeric initiator coating for subsequent surface-initiated radical polymerization by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)1,2. Using this 2- step approach, spatially-controlled microstructures3 that resist protein adsorption and cell adhesion were created. As protein adsorption is often the first event leading to device failure, a versatile method to prepare protein resistant surfaces is indispensable for future biomedical applications. • Jiang, X., Chen, H.-Y., Galvan, G., Yoshida, M., Lahann, J. Adv Func Mater (2008) • Katira, P., Agarwal, A., Fischer, T., Chen, H.-Y., Jiang, X., Lahann, J., Hess, H. Adv Mater (2007) • Chen, H.-Y., Lahann J. Adv Mater (2007) 100 µm Microstructured surfaces prepared by CVD followed by ATRP. (a,b): Dark areas indicate resistance to fluorescence-labeled protein adsorption. Histograms show line profile of fluorescence intensity. (c,d): Cell adhesion on surface-modified substrates replicate patterns of microstructured surface. Figure from Reference 1.

2. Polymer Research at UMJoerg Lahann, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, DMR 0449462 Broader impact One of the outreach areas in which we dedicate our efforts is providing undergraduate students, in particular, female students, with research opportunities. We have several undergraduate students who have made significant research contributions while gaining valuable experience. These opportunities not only allow undergraduate as well as high-school students to learn new techniques and apply classroom teaching into practice, but also inspire their consideration of pursuing graduate school. Our hope is to provide such opportunities to many students to ensure development of future scientists and faculties in broad areas of science and engineering. Undergraduate and graduate students engage in research activities. From top left , clockwise: group of students working on chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-based projects, visual inspection of CVD coatings, and synthesis of polymers for CVD.