Abstract: In one aspect, described herein are ultrathin films comprising an azlactone functionalized polymer and a primary amine functionalized polymer. Also described herein are ultrathin films including reactive, nonreactive, partially reactive/nonreactive, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and mixed hydrophobic/hydrophilic ultrathin films. In another aspect, described herein are methods for making surface attached and freestanding ultrathin films.

Abstract: Multilayered films, particularly ultrathin multilayered films comprising cationic polymers which are useful for controlled release of anionic species, particularly for controlled release of nucleic acids. The multilayer films herein are useful for temporal controlled released of anionic species, particularly one or more anionic peptides, proteins, nucleic acids or other anionic biological agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable medical devices coated with polyelectrolyte assemblies that are fabricated by layer-by-layer deposition of nucleic acid and polycation. Such devices facilitate the local delivery of a nucleic acid contained in the polyelectrolyte assembly into a cell or tissue at an implantation site. Also provided are methods of fabricating and using implantable medical devices according to the invention.