Scheme 1

Schematic diagram illustrating the aminolysis process used to introduce free amino groups to PCL (i.e. PCL-NH₂ surface) and the two subsequent surface-modification schemes used to create gelatinized substrates. In scheme a, gelatin is covalently immobilized onto the aminolyzed PCL surface with glutaradehyde as a cross-linking agent, resulting in the PCL-gelatin surface. In Scheme b, immobilization of an alkyl bromine-containing initiator via condensation reaction leads to the formation of the PCL-Br surface. Surface-initiated ATRP of GMA from the PCL-Br surface results in the formation of the PCL-g-P(GMA) surface, and subsequently covalent conjugation of gelatin will result in the PCL-g-P(GMA)-c-gelatin surface