Polyoxazoline biointerfaces by surface grafting

Functionalization of biomaterials by "grafting-to" of functional polymers represents a pivotal strategy to hinder unspecific biological adhesion, provide functions to the modified biomaterials and modulate their interfacial, physico-chemical properties. The increasing interest for poly-2-alkyl-2-oxazolines (PAOXAs) as starting material for the fabrication of biomedical devices has progressively triggered the attention of chemists and materials scientists seeking possible substitutes to poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) for surface functionalization. The chemical versatility of PAOXAs coupled to their stability and outstanding bioinertness when immobilized on surfaces have allowed the fabrication of coatings that efficiently prevent the contamination by proteins and bacteria. In this review, a comprehensive summary of the surface modification methods involving the grafting of PAOXA species is provided. We especially concentrate on how the chemical tailoring of PAOXAs can be exploited to synthesize surface modifiers for the robust functionalization of different inorganic and organic materials. Additionally, a special focus is given to the performance of PAOXA coatings as biointerfaces and their comparison with PEG-based analogues. As the research efforts in finding suitable alternatives to PEGs are increasingly stimulated, among the possible solutions for meeting this demanding need PAOXAs represent one of the most promising. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.