Conjugation of Peptides and PEG onto PMMA Surfaces via a Mild Aminolysis Reaction

Aminolysis with an aliphatic diamine of the methyl ester side chains of PMMA was used to modify the polymers surface under relatively mild conditions. Optimization of the procedure was achieved by monitoring the reaction progress using contact angle measurements. Particular consideration was paid to exclusively modify the material’s surface while leaving the bulk properties unaffected. This was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography and scanning electron microscopy. Successful amination was demonstrated spectroscopically and visualized by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, two biological applications were performed: PEGylation to create antifouling surfaces and RGD-immobilization to promote cellular attachment.