Abstract
A versatile approach to generate hybrid biomaterials, using atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from resin-immobilized peptides, has been reported by N. R. Washburn and co-workers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland (see JACS, 2004, 126, 3472–3476). This approach successfully synthesized a specific peptide unit (GRGDS) to which a controlled molecular weight chain of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) was attached. Before describing the polymer-supported synthetic strategy, the reason why peptide/synthetic polymer conjugates are of interest will be described. Future medical implants will probably incorporate materials that are functionalized with groups that engage in targeted recognition with specific cell receptors (see Science, 2002, 295, 1014 and J. Biomed