Abstract: Methods for fabricating coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. The coatings include hydrophilic and hydrophobic components. The methods provide for treatment of the coatings to cause enrichment a region close to, at or on the outer surface of the coating with the hydrophilic component.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical sensor for the determination of a concentration of at least one analyte in a medium, in particular a body tissue and/or a body fluid, to an apparatus that includes the electrochemical sensor, and to a use of the electrochemical sensor, and finally to a method for producing it. The electrochemical sensor has an isolation element and at least two electrodes. The at least two electrodes comprise at least one working electrode and at least one further electrode, in particular at least one counter electrode and/or at least one reference electrode. The at least two electrodes run parallel to one another and form an electrochemical measuring cell of the electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a medical wire, which includes a coating applied to the surface of the medical wire. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the medical wire and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated medical wire form markings which, as an example, enable a surgeon to determine the length of the medical wire inserted into a body by observing the markings on the portion of the marked medical wire located exterior to the body.

Abstract: A micro-sensing element includes a substrate, a micro-sensing structure and a covering material. The micro-sensing structure has a plurality of conductive channels disposed on the substrate. Each conductive channel includes a sensing part, a conductive wire and an electrode. The sensing part is electrically connected with the electrode through the conductive wire. The covering material covers the substrate and the conductive wires, and each of the sensing parts and each of the electrodes are exposed out of the covering material. A bio-sensing system and a manufacturing method of the micro-sensing element are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making an occlusion device for occluding a body vessel. The apparatus and method include providing a frame and a mandrel. The frame has a hub extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A plurality of arcuate legs are attached to the hub and extend distally. The arcuate legs are flexible and have inner surfaces defining an inner profile in an unconstrained state. The mandrel has an outer surface corresponding to the inner profile of the occlusion device. A base layer of a biocompatible material is disposed on the outer surface of the mandrel. The frame is placed on the outer surface with the base layer between the frame and the mandrel. The frame is attached to the base layer such that the biocompatible material forms a membrane extending along and between the arcuate legs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of the present invention provide viscoelastic barrier materials for use as barriers in devices such as pressure measurement catheters. Improved barrier materials sometimes include at least one barrier material precursor combined with an amount of a softener. In other embodiments, two barrier material precursor components are combined without a softener to provide a fully cross-linked barrier material having certain softness characteristics. In various embodiments, a softener may be dimethyl silicone oil and may be combined with a barrier material precursor in an amount of between about 25% and about 45% by weight, relative to the final barrier material. Once a viscoelastic barrier material is prepared, it may be placed in a pressure transmission catheter or similar device, for example by injecting the gel into a lumen of the catheter via a syringe.

Abstract: A surface geometry for an implantable medical electrode that optimizes the electrical characteristics of the electrode and enables an efficient transfer of signals from the electrode to surrounding bodily tissue. The coating is optimized to increase the double layer capacitance and to lower the after-potential polarization for signals having a pulse width in a pre-determined range by keeping the amplitude of the surface geometry with a desired range.

Abstract: A method for mixing and dispensing homogeneous compounds on a surface, at least one reactant in a carrier fluid in laminar flow, and cell (3) for implementing the method. The cell includes reaction chamber (16) having at least one reaction surface (13) where the reactant can be fixed, directly or indirectly, optionally reversibly, at least three fluid inlets/outlets (25, 26), at least one fixed volume reservoir in communication with the reaction chamber and outside the reaction chamber via injection orifice (27), a fluid loop including at least one feeding port, at least one extraction port and at least one reservoir whose volume is variable and adapted to communicate independently with the reaction chamber via each of its inlets/outlets; device for circulating fluids in the reaction chamber and the fluid loop. The method and cell can be used to prepare homogeneous surface films, or to carry out “target-probe” identification reactions.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to membranes composed liquid crystals having continuous aqueous channels, such as a lyotropic liquid crystal, including a cubic phase lyotropic liquid crystal, and to electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes. The membranes are useful in limiting the diffusion of an analyte to a working electrode in an electrochemical sensor so that the sensor does not saturate and/or remains linearly responsive over a large range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with membranes of the present invention demonstrate considerable sensitivity and stability, and a large signal-to-noise ratio, in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A method for producing a non-specific adsorption inhibitor includes reacting (A) a tosylated compound of polyoxyethylene monomethyl ether with (B) a polyamine having either an amino group or imino group (—NH—), or both, in total of 3 to 12.

Abstract: The present application discloses various embodiments of optical windows for use within an endoscope and includes a substrate sized to be coupled to the endoscope and defining a first surface and at least a second surface, and at least one autoclavable coating applied to at least one of the first surface and second surface.

Abstract: Fibres with an extraction phase coated thereon in combination with a positioning device are described to perform adsorption of components of interest from an animal or animal tissue for the investigation of living systems. A number of interfaces to analytical instrumentation are disclosed including mass spectrometry, LC/MS, MALDI and CE as well as direct spectroscopic on-fibre measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a non-enzymatic whole blood uric acid detecting electrode strip for use on whole blood, characterized by comprising the step of adding dropwise a reaction film formulation onto the electrochemical reaction zone wherein the formulation comprises an electron mediator, a water-soluble polymer carrier and a volatile organic solvent.

Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The barrier rapidly hardens forming a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a transparent and homogenized polymeric sol of a calcium phosphate compound, containing apatite and having excellent wettability and bioactivity, according to a sol-gel synthesis, and a method for coating the polymeric sol on a metal implant, in which the polymeric sol is coated on the metal implant and then heat-treated to form a dense coated layer strongly bonded to the metal implant. The polymeric sol is obtained by process of preparing a calcium salt solution, containing calcium ethoxide dissolved in organic acid, and a phosphate solution, containing triethyl phosphite or triethyl phosphate dissolved in the organic acid, mixing the calcium salt solution with the phosphate solution to produce a mixed solution, and aging the mixed solution.

Abstract: Use of calibrant in extraction phase is described for quantification of components of interest in samples in laboratory application as well as in on-site monitoring. This approach is particularly useful for in-vivo investigation of living systems.

Abstract: Medical devices having at least a portion thereof coated with a lubricious polymer are disclosed. The lubricious polymer can be, for instance, a hydrogel polymer, such as a quaternary amine acrylate polymer. To bond the lubricious polymer to the surface of the medical device, the medical device is first subjected to a solvent and a multi-functional monomer. The solvent causes the multi-functional monomer to become imbibed into the surface of the medical device. Thereafter, a polymer having lubricious properties is polymerized on the surface of the device. The multi-functional monomer reacts with the polymer coating securely affixing the polymer coating to the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices that are inserted or implanted into patients and that have antimicrobial coatings that release free radicals into the vicinity of the device. These devices may have coatings that alter their rate of flow release or elution release of an antibacterial agent from a coating on the device upon external stimulation. The coating should therefore be responsive to external control such as by heating, external RF stimulus, sonic control, visible or ultraviolet light exposure and the like. By having control of the release rate, and in some structures without invasion of the patient by mechanical means in addition to the device itself, the release rate can be in response to need at the implant site. The class of compounds to be released are free radical generating or initiating compounds, or compounds that release free radicals upon immersion or stimulation, the free radicals acting as the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: Bactericidal compositions are disclosed that comprise a polymeric compound immobilized on a material. Medical devices are also disclosed which comprise such a bactericidal composition. Methods are disclosed for covalently derivatizing the surfaces of common materials with an antibacterial polycation, e.g., poly(vinyl-N-pyridinium bromide); the first step of the methods involves coating the surface with a nanolayer of silica. Various commercial synthetic polymers derivatized in this manner are bactericidal, i.e., they kill on contact up to 99% of deposited Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whether deposited through air or water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: The invention discloses materials that adsorb readily to the surfaces of body tissues in situ and provide a steric barrier between such tissues, so that tissue adhesions, which typically form following surgical procedures, are minimized. These materials contain a polymer of hydrophilic molecules such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) bound to a polymer that spontaneously adsorbs to biological tissue such as phenylboronic acid (PBA). The PEG-PBA co-polymer can be formed in a variety of geometries. The materials can also be used to coat prosthetics and other implants.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electrode carrying immobilized redox enzymes such that electric charge can flow between an electron mediator group to the enzyme cofactor by the use of boronic acid or a boronic acid derivative that acts as a linker moiety between the cofactor and the electron mediator group. The invention also concerns devices and systems that make use of the electrode of the invention, such as bio-sensors and fuel cells, the electrode being one of the components thereof.

Abstract: A device containing a support member, a cross-linked polymer, and a pH buffer agent. A surface of the support member is coated with the cross-linked polymer in which the pH buffer agent is embedded.

Abstract: A method for improving the wettability of a medical device involves: (a) providing a medical device formed from a monomer mixture comprising a hydrophilic device-forming monomer including a copolymerizable group and an electron donating moiety, and a second device-forming monomer including a copolymerizable group and a reactive functional group; and (b) contacting a surface of the medical device with a wetting agent including a proton donating moiety reactive with the functional group provided by the second lens-forming monomer and that complexes with the electron donating moiety provided by the hydrophilic lens-forming monomer.

Abstract: A medical balloon catheter assembly includes a balloon having a permeable region and a non-permeable region. The balloon is constructed at least in part from a fluid permeable tube such that the permeable region is formed from a porous material which allows a volume of pressurized fluid to pass from within a chamber formed by the balloon and into the permeable region sufficiently such that the fluid may be ablatively coupled to tissue engaged by the permeable region. The non-permeable region is adapted to substantially block the pressurized fluid from passing from within the chamber and outwardly from the balloon. The porous material may be a porous fluoropolymer, such as porous polytetrafluoroethylene, and the pores may be created by voids that are inherently formed between an interlocking node-fibril network that makes up the fluoropolymer. Such voids may be created according to one mode by expanding the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A process for forming a surface modification on a polymer substrate and polymer substrates having such surface modifications. The process comprises the steps of absorbing a swelling monomer into the polymer substrate for a period of time in order to swell the polymer substrate; removing the swollen polymer from the swelling monomer; transferring the swollen polymer to a reaction mixture containing at least one functional monomer; polymerizing the functional monomer in the reaction mixture containing the swollen polymer substrate for a period of time; and removing the polymer from the reaction mixture. Because the surface modification produced by the process is a surface interpenetrating polymer network, the process is not sensitive to the reactive groups located on the surface of the polymer substrate. Further, the surface interpenetrating network bonds to the polymer substrate through caternary connections or other forms of chain entanglement and this is quite stable.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. The coatings include blends of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers. The methods provide for treatment of the coatings to cause enrichment a region close to the outer surface of the coating with the hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for coating a material surface, comprising the steps of: (a) applying to the material surface a tie layer comprising a polyionic material; (b) covalently binding a bifunctional compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated double b3nd to the tie layer; and (c) graft polymerizing a hydrophilic monomer onto the compound comprising the ethylenically unsaturated double bond. The coated articles that are obtainable by the process of the invention have desirable characteristics regarding adherences to the substrate, durability, hydrophilicity, wettability, biocompatibility and permeability and are thus useful for the manufacture of biomedical articles such as ophthalmic devices.

Abstract: Multifunctional, polyionic copolymers with molecular architectures and properties optimized for specific applications are synthesized on/or applied to substrate surfaces for analytical and sensing purposes. The coatings are particularly useful for suppression of non-specific interaction, adsorption or attachment of molecular or ionic components present in an analyte solution. Chemical, biochemical or biological groups that are able to recognize, interact with and bind specifically to target molecules in the material containing the analyte to be detected can be coupled to, integrated into, or absorbed to the multifunctional copolymers. These multifunctional copolymer coatings are compatible with a variety of different established methods to detect, sense and quantify the target molecule in an analyte.

Abstract: A protective, biocompatible coating or encapsulation material protects and insulates a component or device intended to be implanted in living tissue. The coating or encapsulation material comprises a thin layer or layers of alumina, zirconia or other ceramic, less than 25 microns thick, e.g., 5-10 microns thick. The alumina layer(s) may be applied at relatively low temperature. Once applied, the layer provides excellent hermeticity, and prevents electrical leakage. Even though very thin, the alumina layer retains excellent insulating characteristics. In one embodiment, an alumina layer less than about 6 microns thick provides an insulative coating that exhibits less than 10 pA of leakage current over an area 75 mils by 25 mils area while soaking in a saline solution at temperatures up to 80° C. over a three month period.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring local reactions, such as inflammatory responses, associated with injection sites. The method is performed using a temporary tattoo, which is transferred from a substrate to the skin of a subject, to measure the local reaction to an injection. A kit is also disclosed that can be used to perform the disclosed method. One example of the method includes transferring from the substrate to the subject's skin a temporary tattoo having a plurality of concentric rings and using the rings to measure the local reaction. For example, if the local reaction exceeds the boundary of the largest ring, the local reaction is considered clinically significant and additional medical interventions may be sought.

Abstract: A medical material having a surface which is safe and excellent in stability with the lapse of time and has a high durability as needed in establishing a long-lasting surface lubricity in a wet state and an excellent compatibility with blood, and a method for producing the same. These materials are obtained by forming a coating layer with a coating material containing a polymeric substance (A) having a heterocyclic group represented by the formula (1) on at least a part of a surface of a medical material base, and then ring-opening the heterocyclic group remaining in the coating layer by a nucleophilic compound (N): wherein X represents O, NH or S; and R1 represents H or CH3.

Abstract: Disclosed are advantageous methods for patterning and/or mineralizing biomaterial surfaces. The techniques described are particularly useful for generating three-dimensional or contoured bioimplant materials with patterned surfaces or patterned, mineralized surfaces. Also provided are various methods of using the mineralized and/or patterned biomaterials in tissue engineering, such as bone tissue engineering, providing more control over ongoing biological processes, such as mineralization, growth factor release, cellular attachment and tissue growth.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the modification of the surfaces of polymeric materials with polymer coatings that may be subsequently treated to be lubricious and anti-microbial. The method comprises incubating a photo-initiator-coated polymeric material with an aqueous monomer that is capable of free radical polymerization and exposing the incubating polymeric material to UV light creating a modified surface on said polymeric material. The method may additionally comprise adding a silver component to the modified surface. The silver component may be provided as a silver salt coating or a silver salt contained within a hydrogel bonded to the acrylate modified polymeric material surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the electrode impedance of implantable biosensors by coating the surface of the biosensor with a uniform hydrogel which allows unimpeded water movement around the sensor are provided. The surface coatings are compositions which are biocompatible and are capable of water uptake of at least 120% of their weight, more preferably at least 200% of their weight. Upon the uptake of water, the hydrogels used in the present invention will also swell and provide a layer of water around the electrodes to which the hydrogels are attached. The hydrogels can be prepared from (a) a diisocyanate, (b) a hydrophilic polymer which is a hydrophilic diol, a hydrophilic diamine, or a combination thereof, and optionally, (c) a chain extender.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide polymer coated implantable medical devices having a bioactive material posited in or on at least a portion of the coating layer, wherein the coating layer provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. Preferably, the medical device is an intravascular stent.

Abstract: A radiation therapy apparatus and method for significantly reducing or preventing restenosis after angioplasty utilizes a stainless steel guide wire having a phosphorus beta emitting radiation source ionically bonded thereon at its distal end by a positive vapor deposition process. The radiation therapy wire is similar in size, shape, and flexibility to the conventional guide wire used for the angioplasty procedure, and is introduced using the same catheter to carry out the radiation therapy procedure. When the beta emitting source reaches the critical section in a vessel or artery, a protective sleeve is retracted and the radiation source is exposed to the damaged area for a sufficient amount of time for the vessel to absorb the required dosage. Because the range of beta radiation is much lower than gamma radiation, the risk of radiation damage to other areas is minimal.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the determination of the concentration of biological levels of polyhydroxylated compounds, particularly glucose. The methods utilize an amplification system that is an analyte transducer immobilized in a polymeric matrix, where the system is implantable and biocompatible. Upon interrogation by an optical system, the amplification system produces a signal capable of detection external to the skin of the patient. Quantitation of the analyte of interest is achieved by measurement of the emitted signal.

Abstract: Compositions for coating biological and non-biological surfaces, which minimize or prevent cell-cell contact and tissue adhesion, and methods of preparation and use thereof, are disclosed. Embodiments include polyethylene glycol/polylysine (PEG/PLL) block or comb-type copolymers with high molecular weight PLL (greater than 1000, more preferably greater than 100,000); PEG/PLL copolymers in which the PLL is a dendrimer which is attached to one end of the PEG; and multilayer compositions including alternating layers of polycationic and polyanionic materials. The multi-layer polymeric material is formed by the ionic interactions of a polycation and a polyanion. The molecular weights of the individual materials are selected such that the PEG portion of the copolymer inhibits cellular interactions, and the PLL portion adheres well to tissues.

Abstract: Boronic acid containing polymers are used to form bioinert gels and multilayer surface structures. These polymers form crosslinked hydrogels, which are highly swollen in water. The crosslinking can either be chemical or physical. Water soluble polymers containing boronic acid groups, such as phenylboronic acid (PBA), can be physically crosslinked by mixing the polymers in water with other polymers containing hydroxyls or carboxylic acids. Alternatively, surfaces can be treated by stepwise incubation with a solution of the boronic acid containing polymer, followed by incubation with a solution of a diol or carboxylic acid containing polymer. Many successive layers can be generated, increasing the thickness of the formed structure at each step.

Abstract: An optical fiber is tapered, preferably adiabatically, and has a material coated on it for chemical bonding with fluorophores. When the fluorophores couple with the material, evanescent radiation generated fibers causes the fluorophores to fluoresce, and the fluorescence is coupled back into the fiber.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing particles with an insulating, semiconducting and/or metallic coating and stabilized particles prepared thereby are disclosed. In addition, particles stabilized by an insulating, semiconducting and/or metallic coating, wherein said coating is attached to said particles via a bifunctional ligand are provided, as is a method is provided for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample comprising incubating the sample with a ligand bound to a coated particle, capable of specifically binding to the analyte and capable of providing a detectable signal and detecting the presence of a ligand-coated particle:analyte complex as indicating the presence of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A method is provided of using biocompatible surface-active agents to impart improved characteristics to a surface contacting a gas-supersaturated fluid, advantageously by forming on the surface a coating including an adsorbed biocompatible surface-active agent promoting surface charge neutralization or surface energy reduction, and of providing a surface contacting a gas-supersaturated fluid, the surface having such improved characteristics.

Abstract: Designs and methods of manufacture are disclosed for a fluid detecting device. The fluid detecting device includes a colorant or dye used as the fluid indicator. When the dye comes into contact with the fluid, the reaction between the dye and the fluid is used to evaluate or detect the presence of fluid in the device. The reaction of the dye with the fluid may be detected using visualization, nephelometry, spectrophotometry, infrared detection, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy or other techniques.

Abstract: A protective, biocompatible coating or encapsulation material protects and insulates a component or device intended to be implanted in living tissue. The coating or encapsulation material comprises a thin layer or layers of alumina, zerconia, or other ceramic, less than 25 microns thick, e.g., 5-10 microns thick. The alumina layer(s) may be applied at relatively low temperature. Once applied, the layer provides excellent hermeticity, and prevents electrical leakage. Even though very thin, the alumina layer retains excellent insulating characteristics. In one embodiment, an alumina layer less than about 6 microns thick provides an insulative coating that exhibits less than 10 pA of leakage current over an area 75 mils by 25 mils area while soaking in a saline solution at temperatures up to 80° C. over a three month period.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the electrode impedance of implantable biosensors by coating the surface of the biosensor with a uniform hydrogel which allows unimpeded water movement around the sensor are provided. The surface coatings are compositions which are biocompatible and are capable of water uptake of at least 120% of their weight, more preferably at least 200% of their weight. Upon the uptake of water, the hydrogels used in the present invention will also swell and provide a layer of water around the electrodes to which the hydrogels are attached. The hydrogels can be prepared from (a) a diisocyanate, (b) a hydrophilic polymer which is a hydrophilic diol, a hydrophilic diamine, or a combination thereof, and optionally, (c) a chain extender.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving the wettability of a medical device, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a medical device formed from a monomer mixture comprising a hydrophilic monomer and a silicone-containing monomer, wherein said medical device has not been subjected to a surface oxidation treatment; (b) contacting a surface of the medical device with a solution comprising a proton-donating wetting agent, whereby the wetting agent forms a complex with the hydrophilic monomer on the surface of the medical device in the absence of a surface oxidation treatment step and without the addition of a coupling agent.

Abstract: Synthetic comb copolymers which elicit controlled cellular response, methods of applying these polymers to various surfaces, and methods of using the polymers for modifying biomaterial surfaces, in tissue engineering applications and as drug delivery devices are provided. The comb copolymers are comprised of hydrophobic polymer backbones and hydrophilic, non-cell binding side chains which can be end-capped with cell-signaling ligands that guide cellular response. By mixing non-cell binding combs with ligand-bearing combs, the surface concentration and spatial distribution of one or more types of ligands, including adhesion peptides and growth factors, can be tuned on a surface to achieve desired cellular response. In one embodiment, the combs are used as stabilizing agents for dispersion polymerization of latexes. The comb-stabilized latexes can be applied to substrates by standard coating operations to create a bioregulating surface, or used as drug delivery agents.