CPI: The home of polymer brushes ;-)

Research Projects

Our general research interests focus on the precise control of the surface properties of materials by depositing thin and ultrathin (molecular dimensions) polymer films. In order to provide a good long-term stability of these interfacial architectures it is generally desirable to chemically link the polymer molecules that form the layer to the underlying substrate. Several strategies in that direction were developed to accommodate specific issues connected to the tailoring of surface properties. These are described in more detail under the links listed below along with the results of physico-chemical investigations of these polymer assemblies in confined geometries.

Surface Chemistry and Physics

• General introduction
• Synthesis of coupling agents for the surface grafting of polymers (initiators, photoreactive compounds)
• Modification of inert surfaces via functional polymer layers prepared by plasmapolymerization
• Photochemical techniques for surface modification

Surface-attached polymer networks

• Synthesis of surface attached polymer networks

Polymer Brushes

• General aspects of the chemistry and physics of polymer brushes
• Polyelectrolyte brushes
• Functionalized polymer brushes

Biofunctionalization of Surfaces

• A chip device for single membrane channel assays
• Robust DNA microarray platform for routine DNA testing
• Polymer coatings for biocompatible surfaces: control of cell adhesion
• Coatings for the prevention of biofouling
• Microreplication of biological surfaces