Cross-linked polymer microparticles with tunable surface properties by the combination of suspension free radical copolymerization and Click chemistry.

We propose a general, versatile and broad in scope two-steps approach for the elaboration of cross-linked polymer microparticles (µPs) with tunable functionalities and surface properties. Surface-functionalized cross-linked polymer µPs with diameter in the 80 μm range are prepared by the combination of: 1) suspension free radical copolymerization of styrene, propargyl methacrylate and 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, 2) subsequent covalent tethering of a variety of azide-functionalized moieties (i.e.