Facile plasma-initiated surface modification by functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) monomers

Plasma-initiated polymerization of new end-chain functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate monomers is described, leading to the modification of various surfaces, in the form of highly organized membranes. This monomer family underwent facile plasma-initiated polymerization during both SEM imaging and sample preparation. Membranes prepared in the course of this study carried functional groups such as amine, carboxylic acid, thiol, epoxide, and methanesulfonate. This procedure was utilized in the formation of functionalized coatings on microspheres and particles. According to our findings, this general polymerization procedure may be adopted for additional poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate monomers bearing various end-groups.