It's all about topology: The evolution of polymer brushes and their performance

The application of distinctive polymer topologies, beyond the simple linear chain, to yield cyclic and loopsforming surface-grafted assemblies, enables a broad modulation of highly relevant, interfacial physico-chemical properties. This is especially valid on flat surfaces, where the ultra-dense and highly compact character of cyclic polymer “brushes” provide an enhanced steric stabilization of the interface and a superlubricious behavior. Alternatively, when cyclic brushes form shells on inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), their extraordinary structural properties make them impenetrable and long-lasting shields, which extend the stability of NP dispersions and hinder any interaction with serum proteins. Polymer topological effects, typically observed in bulk or in solution are amplified by adding an additional boundary such as a grafting surface. Their precise tuning translates into materials with unprecedented properties and extremely high applicability.